The Journey Magazine Nov 09

November 2009

Kasey Van Normaninspiring w o m a n

i n s p i r i n g Young woman

2009 HolidayGift Guide

Casa Tour of Homes

HomETour

Georgann McClain

tjmag.com / 1

2 / The Journey - November 2009

Contents N ove m b e r 2 0 0 9

Your HomeAt Home: All iN tHe fAmily 8

lANdmArks: tcHoupitoulAs 10

HomesteAd: buyiNg lANd 11

Home tour: cAsA tour of Homes 12

iN tHe kitcHeN: quick tHANksgiviNg tips 14

lANdscApiNg: plANNiNg tHe Home lANdscApe 16

Your communitYbusiNess spotligHt: wisteriA HideAwAy 18

busiNess coNNectioNs: j.p. mcdoNAld 19

lufkiN cHAmber of commerce 20

NAcogdocHes cHAmber of commerce 22

cAleNdAr 24

plAces ANd fAces 26

giviNg bAck: Hospice 29

iNspiriNg youNg womAN: georgANN mcclAiN 32

iNspiriNg womAN: kAsey vAN NormAN 34

Your LifeHAll of fAme Hubbies 38

pretty bAbies 39

girls group: order of tHe eAsterN stAr 40

your wAllet: couNt your blessiNgs pArt 1 41

weddiNgs 42

relAtioNsHips: will tHe reAl ? stANdup 44

educAtioN: jAmie mAHAN, teAcHer of tHe moNtH 45

Your BodYfitNess 101: 6 wAys ANyoNe cAN lose A few pouNds 48

fAsHioN: wiNter treNds 49

beAuty: commoN foods tHAt Help preveNt wriNkles 50

womeN’s HeAltH: 5 NAturAl commoN cold beAters 51

review: HolidAy gift guide 52

jourNey mArket 55

pArtiNg Advice 56

foLLow us on twitter!twitter.com/journeymag

stepHanie oLiverP r e s i d e n t a n d e d i to r

micHeLLe BriLeYd i r e c to r o f s a l e s

KaY HendricKss a l e s e x e c u t i v e

courtneY conerLYl ayo u t a n d d e s i g n

Kristie HuddLestong r a P h i c d e s i g n e r

aLison tHorntonw w w.t h o r n to n - P h oto g r a P h y. co m

co v e r P h oto g r a P h e r

Lisa croww w w. s P e c i a l e v e n t s t x . co m

e v e n t a n d co n t r i b u t i n g P h oto g r a P h e r

aLLYson Langstonco P y e d i to r

susan cHiLdersw e b d e s i g n e r

contriButorsK at h ry n gr een e

J u li e cast leb er ryemi ly Par Ks

an n a leeli sa coP en

amy au st enJacob mab i lle

distruButionJa n e t G lov e r

e m i ly ko l kk a r i s p u rG eo nco lto n r aw l s

lu f K i nau d r e y o d o mn acogd och es

c h r i ssy l av i o l e t t eli vi n gston

advertisment informationtHe journeYpo box 150537

lufkiN, tx 75915

[email protected]

tjmag.com / 3


The time of year we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. It almost seems like the holidays are our internal alarm clock that says, “another year is about to officially fly by!” We are about to close the books on another year of memories. How great is it to look back and think of all the great memories you and your family have been able to share.

One of the greatest joys is to hear it from children. When my children are playing around the house or we are eating in a restaurant, something will trigger a memory and they say, “mommy, remember when we…” It is fun to hear what stands out to them or the things they remember most. More than anything, it makes me laugh to hear how they saw it in their eyes and reinterpret the event.

Even though we can soon cross out 2009 as another year gone by, thankfully, the upcoming holidays also mean time well spent with our families and loved ones. For some, it can still be hectic and crazy (I’m talking you--you early morning, day after Thanksgiving crazy shoppers!), but it is that stillness of not working, not doing business, not rushing off to school and work in the morning, and knowing that Thanksgiving day or weekend is all about family.

In addition to my immediate family, The Journey is a part of my family. This last year has been an exciting year! We have been involved with many new events and programs, and have met a lot more faces! There have been a lot of changes with the magazine, and because of that we have made new friends. The circle keeps growing and growing. One new feature and person we can get to know is our Teacher of the Month. I know we are all thankful for the teachers who love and teach our children everyday. They do an amazing job!

As we embark on this month focused on giving thanks, be mindful of all the things surrounding us that God has blessed us with. There is so much we take for granted and overlook.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for many, many blessings from God. But, I am especially grateful for every one of you who read and share your stories. You are what makes our community great!

Thankful Heart. Happy November.

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. I Chronicles 29:11

Welcome

stepHanie oLiverpresideNt & editor

tjmag.com / 5

News

coats for kidsImagine not having a coat to put on this winter or knowing you do not have the money to purchase coats for the family this year. Elite Cleaners in Lufkin is doing something so you can help. Drop off a new or gently used coat to any Elite Cleaners location. They will dry clean it and then donate it to someone in need of a winter coat.

lufkin mallLooking for a great place for a birthday party? Lufkin Mall has party rooms available. Call today to reserve a room for your next party. 936.639.1249

The Journey would like to announce a new member to our team. We are excited to welcome Kay Hendricks as our newest Sales Executive. Kay grew up in Lufkin, graduated from Lufkin High School and has lived in Lufkin all of her life. She has been married to Joe for 7 years. They have three daughters, one son, and one precious granddaughter. Kay enjoys spending time with her family, spoiling and pampering her dogs, and backyard landscaping projects with her husband. She comes with many years of sales experience, so many of you may already know her. She is a true asset to our team and we are very excited for everyone to meet her! Welcome, Kay!

buckner circle of angelsThis group of women will sell hand painted ornaments to benefit single mothers. The ornaments are beautiful and unique and are sold for $10 each. Buckner Family Place provides single parents with safe, affordable housing and child care as they receive their degrees in higher education from Angelina College. Parents are also provided with individual and group counseling, parent and life skills training and job readiness preparation. To learn more about the Buckner Circle of Angels fundraiser or to purchase a Christmas ornament, please call 936-637-3300. To learn more about Buckner, visit www.buckner.org.


As I have gotten older, one thing that I have really grown to appreciate is the different personalities of people. What a boring world it would be if we were all alike! I have the wonderful opportunity of meeting new people every day. Upon introduction, I always try to remember the saying, “You never have a second chance to make a first impression.”

Have you ever met those types of people that never seem to have anything positive to say? Just being around them begins to bring you down as well? Sure, we all have bad days. Who doesn’t need a good “pity party” every now and then? However, I think it is so important for us to realize how truly blessed we really are! God has a wonderful way of snapping me back into reality when I start to feel sorry for myself. Seems like on the days I feel the world is against me, He places someone in my path who is in a much more difficult situation than myself, and I realize things could be a lot worse. I heard a speaker say that if you have the privilege to own a book and are able to read that book, you are wealthy compared to millions of other people around the world. Wow! We really have so much to be thankful for.

I have started this simple practice to help me count the blessings in my life. When I wake up in the morning, before I even get out of bed, I make a mental list of five things I have to be thankful for. Some mornings my list is the only thing that gets me out of bed, particularly on those mornings when my little one has been up and down all night. A sample list:1. I have a healthy, precious little boy.2. My parents are alive and well.3. I have not nagged my husband so much that he has thrown in the towel and moved to another state.4. I can eat a hamburger without worrying about my cholesterol.5. My miniature Yorkie may finally be getting the concept she needs to potty outside.

My list often flows from the serious to the ridiculous, but every morning the result is the same: I begin the day with a reminder of all the ways my life could be less than it is, and I feel so grateful. I challenge you this month: take a moment out of the hustle-bustle of the holiday preparations and make your own list of thanks. It will not get Thanksgiving dinner on the table any faster or help you with your shopping, but it will improve your outlook on life all the same.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Director’s Chair

micHeLLe BriLeYdirector of sAles

tjmag.com / 7

Your Home


Some of my fondest childhood memories are the times I spent at my grandmother’s farm in Whitney, Texas. Whitney is a little town near Dallas where my mother grew up with her mother, father, older sister, and younger brother. My Aunt Sissy and her family lived in Hillsboro, Texas, just a few minutes drive away, and it is there that I visited with my two cousins and had a wonderful time. My oldest cousin, Jan, was truly my “idol”. I admired everything about her. She was beautiful and it didn’t take long for me to realize that she had a great sense of style and fashion. She would let me stand in her closet for hours looking through her wardrobe, and she didn’t even consider me a little “pest” when I asked to visit with her while she was getting ready for her dates. (She is 10 years older than me.)

Over the past 30 years, Jan has built an enormous design business, and her works have been published in countless popular magazines including Southern Accents, Veranda, In Style Home, and many more. House Beautiful named her one of America’s Top 125 Interior Designers in 2003. Besides designing and marketing her own line of furniture that is showcased in the most famous design showrooms from Los Angeles to New York, Jan has recently found the time to write a book entitled Glamorous Rooms which can be found on shelves this month from the New York-based publishing company Abrams books. It is an absolutely magnificent coffee table book filled with incredible photographs documenting 25 years of Jan’s designing career.

Before the writing of her book, I have consulted with Jan on many occasions andreceived a wealth of design tips that I have incorporated in my own clients’ homes.

Now I literally have her expertise at my fingertips. Glamorous Rooms contains chapters that are organized by rooms, and here are a few of my favorite excerpts from the book.

1. Creating interesting entry halls. “If every house tells a story, each entry hall is an opening chapter. …bold choices pay tremendous dividends in entry halls. Take chances, and never, never allow these spaces to bore!”

2. Creating luxurious living rooms by incorporating an area rug.“The selection of a wonderful rug is one of the most important decisions made early in the design process. Very often, people wish to use smaller rugs in order to show more of their wood or stone floors, but they are always pleased when they see the effect of a larger rug in the space.”

3. Paint choices for your home.“Do not use wallpaper in living rooms. One should always insist on extremely smooth walls. Greens are a classic choice in public spaces. Blues are soothing, and yellow, while too active a color for bedrooms, can be just right in a living room, where its cheeriness is desirable. Platinums and grays are underused. They actually create an incredibly luxurious atmosphere. Deeper colors than these are better reserved for powder rooms, entry halls, libraries, and studies.”

4. Fabric and lighting selections for your rooms.

“Don’t be too cautious or worried about fabric selections, fearing accidents and spills. These rooms should be designed for luxury. Mix textures and styles liberally. Make good eye-level lighting a priority. Nothing is more important.”

5. The elements of any well-decorated room.“There’s no need to match… This is the art of the mix, which is truly the art of great design.”

6. Creating incredible bedrooms.“Beds should envelope, feel warm and cozy, and have the best linens one can afford. Using too many (decorative pillows) creates an outdated look. Absurdly puffy duvets that look to be over a foot deep are not luxurious; they are simply flamboyant and must be avoided. Ostentation is never a substitute for true comfort and fine taste.”

Glamorous Rooms, written by my cousin, Jan Showers, is sure to become a classic for anyone who has a passion for great interior design.

at homeall in the family | by Julie castleberry

/ Yo u r H o m e

tjmag.com / 9


landmarkstchouPitoulas

/ Yo u r H o m e

Looking for delicious piece of history to visit? Tchoupitoulas is your place! (Pronounced Chop-a-Tule-as.)

This building, originally built in 1920, has been vacant since 1954. In 2002, Patsy Lucas decided she wanted to open a restaurant in the location, and she learned there was a lot of work to do. Tchoupitoulas opened its doors in late 2004. After a couple of years into it, Patsy decided running a restaurant was not for her. Then the current owner, Richard Park former General Manager of Spring Creek Country Club, purchased the business.

The building was originally a general merchandise store. There was also living quarters above the store on the second story. According to research and old maps of Crockett, the eastern border of the restaurant was named Tchoupitoulas Street. That is where the name of the restaurant came from. The name Tchoupitoulas is a Choctaw Indian word meaning River People.

The restoration project was very meticulous to keep as many of the original pieces as possible.

Today the pressed tin roof, cement floor, doors, and window frames are all original to the 1920 building. When parts of the building have to be replaced, it is replaced with pieces from that time period when possible.

The best part of this landmark building is that is has great food inside! Tchoupitoulas is a steakhouse that only serves Angus Beef. Park says, “We cut our steaks ourselves, and buy our vegetables from local farmers to insure fresh quality. Our desserts are the finest, and all are made here in house daily. The menu has been expanded to include the ‘Best Chicken Fried Steak’ anywhere in the area and we also feature a variety of chicken and fish entrees.”

The ambiance of the restaurant comes from the historic walls that surround it. There is also a beautiful courtyard to dine in when

the weather permits. It is a great change of scenery and offers a delicious meal.

Tchoupitoulas is available for private parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings in the courtyard, anniversaries, special event dinners, or any celebration.

To visit this historic landmark, the steakhouse is open for lunch on Wed, Thur. and Fri., between 11 and 2 p.m. and dinners are on Thurs, Fri. and Sat., between 4:45 and 9:00 p.m. Reservations are not required, but are accepted.

tjmag.com / 11

homesteadbuying land?

Buying land can be a scary thing. There are many aspects to consider before you purchase land. One expert in the field, Michael Sessions, poses questions for you to consider and tips on purchasing land.

Michael Sessions says, “Purchasing land can be a complicated process. Most land buyers fall into one of three categories: land to build a residence, a recreational property, or investment property. Some buyers may fit two or all of these categories. No matter what the objective is, the following items need to be considered when evaluating a property.” 1. Utilities – Do not assume a property has electricity and water or to get them run to a property is a simple matter of calling the utility company. Running electricity to a property or from where it stops on a property to a house site can easily run 10 to 20 thousand. The average cost of drilling a well is 3 to 6 thousand.

2. Survey- Most property will have to be surveyed Talk to a surveyor before you agree upon a price to pay for the property. Surveys can be expensive.

3. Financing - talk to your lender before you find the perfect piece of land. Lenders may require 10 to 20 percent down on raw land.

4. Flood Plain- Look at county and state maps to make sure the property or the portion of the property you want to build on does not

fall into the flood plain. Flood insurance is expensive.

5. Restrictions and Covenants that may have been filed on the property should be researched before you purchase.

6. Minerals- Buyers should research who owns the minerals on a property and what land owner rights are when there is no mineral interest with the land.

7. Easements- Buyers need make sure that they have access to a property and be aware of all easements that run across the property

8. Timber- Talk to a Forester to find out the value of the trees on a property.

For more information on purchasing land, contact Michael Sessions with Timber Country Real Estate at 936.875.2905


Karen & Rodney Howell158 Magnolia BendLufkin, Texas

Located in the Autumn Lakes development in Hudson, the Howell’s custom Country French design at 156 Magnolia Bend is an original design by local firm Hesters and Sanders Architecture. Completed in 2008, this custom 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath home was constructed by Pat and Randy Stewart of Stewart Construction, Nacogdoches. Custom entry doors open to reveal an elegant, yet comfortable home with arched openings, hand-

scraped maple floors, warm earth-tone colors and an eclectic array of furnishings and fabrics. The Howell’s have designed their Christmas décor to blend with the character and personality of the home and its owners. Her own original Christmas tree designs will delight you and warm your Christmas heart.

Cowboy and the Princess Ranch720 Morris RoadBurke, Texas

East meets west at the Cowboy and the Princess Ranch. These two epicures have found a comfortably pleasing way to come together. Throughout the Ranch, there is constant blending of the rugged ole west where anything goes and the proper correctness of the Eastern families. Hence the array of eclectic tastes in this two-story Victorian home. The wrap around veranda lends itself to volumes of skirts and petticoats or, just as easily, the clank of spurs on its planks. Many guests throughout the year come to enjoy the

excitement of cowboy activities, of horses and cattle, and then retreat to the veranda for tea, whether iced or hot with a spot of milk and sugar. As you enjoy the lights and decorations, you may also feel the love of the Lord in this home.

Deidra & Raymond Fore162 Haylie WayLufkin, Texas

Welcome to The Purple House owned by Raymond and Deidra Fore. Built by the Fores and Robert Barbe Construction in 1987 with an addition in 1994, the house constantly changes because Raymond and Deidra are do-it-yourself people who always have a project going. Though small in size, it’s big in offbeat style with art, color, and creativity. Raymond has painted walls pink, gray, black, green, yellow, orange, purple, blue, and

even white. He has tiled bath counters and floors, a unique mosaic tile floor, and a quirky fireplace front. Deidra likes to shop everywhere from Gipson Girl to Target. She also proudly owns possessions that belonged to her mother and that were given to her by friends. Holiday decorating includes purple Christmas trees, a pink fantasy tree, and a lime green tree and decorations. The master bedroom has a “Dream” theme with four-year-old granddaughter Chloe as inspiration. Come see the Fores for a merry and bright Christmas celebration!

casa tour of homesdecember 3, 2009

home tour

Casa Tour of Homes is an annual fundraising event to benefit Casa of the Pines. Tickets are available at each home for $10. This is a one day event from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

/ Yo u r H o m e

tjmag.com / 13

Southern Stables Bed & BreakfastDave and Lori Overdorf3500 North Medford DriveLufkin, Texas

This two story Colonial Style home stands majestically in the middle of 130 acres of beautiful rolling pastures right on Loop 287. Built in 1966 by Texas State Senator Ottis Lock, this home still remains one of the most recognized homes in Lufkin. As you drive along the 750 ft driveway to the house, your eye tends to gaze across the pastures at the view, barely noticing the home until suddenly you are in front and realize the

four pillars of the front porch are much larger than you thought. Upon entering this 6 bedroom, 4 ½ bath home, you will notice a tasteful western décor throughout, and each room has a different western theme. On the lower level, the sitting room and breakfast room feature a Knotty Pine tongue and groove paneling from trees taken from off the property. The cowhide upholstery and accents have some real eye appeal. Don’t forget to look at what Christmas favorite might be playing in the Theater. The tour doesn’t stop there! When you’re done with the house, meander down across the cattle guard toward the barn. On your way, you will see our Winter Wonderland in the Garden Room. A favorite stop for Santa is our Outhouse, and at the barn, you will find Santa’s favorite Longhorns getting ready for Christmas. May God Bless you and your family during this Christmas Season!

Carolyn & Cal Tipton6111 West State Hwy 103Lufkin, Texas

The home of Cal and Carolyn Tipton is a “Texas House” (also called a “breezeway” or “dog-run house” or “dogtrot house”). It was built in 2005 by Mr. Tipton and designed after much study by Carolyn. These houses were built in the middle of the 19th century by country people looking for easy construction with efficiency in mind. They often had very few windows and were positioned to make use of the breeze. Many times through the years, porches were closed in and the houses were updated to meet the modern needs,

but the basic structure stayed the same. This house takes the best of that world and brings it to the future. This Texas house is no different than any other 19th century house of its time at Christmas. The decorations are what ever can be found in the East Texas woods and fields. The Christmas tree also keeps its tradition. Glass balls were introduced in the late 1800’s by F.W. Woolworth. The more glass balls you had on your tree, the higher your status in the community. Join us to see how Christmas’ past were celebrated.


In the kItchenquicK thanKsgiving tiPs | by anna boles lee

When we think about Thanksgiving, there are a few things that will always come to mind: food, family, deer hunting, and then more food. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday in that it is a time to not only spend with our closest friends and family, but to give thanks to God for all of the wonderful things he has blessed us with. Whenever preparing the foods to take to Thanksgiving dinner or lunch, it is very important that it tastes delicious and is the talk of the table…..seeing that all of the family will be there to critique it. To make sure that your foods are yummy to everyone’s tummies, here are a few quick tips to make your dish a winner at your Thanksgiving meal.

• If preparing meat or poultry or a meat or poultry casserole, be sure to use a meat thermometer to measure for proper doneness. Temperature should be at least 165.• When making pies, if you want a flaky crust, the ingredients/dough must be cold to start with and remain cold until cooking time. • To make a meringue: Using an electric mixer, beat 3 egg whites until soft peaks form; beat in ¼ c. sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time. Continue beating until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is stiff. Spoon meringue onto pie, forming peaks with spatula. Make sure the meringue touches the crust all around. Bake 5-10 minutes.• Selecting and preparing potatoes – Choose firm, plump potatoes. If buying a bag of potatoes, avoid bags that seem to have moisture in them. Thoroughly wash potatoes before use. Here are a few helpful websites to help you plan and prepare the perfect Thanksgiving feast:• http://www.butterball.com/tips-how-tos/tips/thanksgiving-guide• http://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/package/index.html• http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/• http://familyfun.go.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-kids-table-fun/

Anna Lee grew up right here in East Texas in the wonderful town of Center. While growing up, she was very much involved in her local 4-H club participating in projects from foods and nutrition, showing chickens in the infamous Poultry Festival, and riding in the Shelby County mounted drill team, played on her High School Golf team, and worked at her parent’s family business, Boles Feed Company. Anna completed a Bachelors degree in Family and Consumer Sciences at SFA, Master’s degree in Family Studies at Texas Woman’s University. Anna and her husband, Justin, live in Nacogdoches. Anna is currently is working at Shelby Savings Bank.

pumpkIn bread puddIng wIth brown sugar-yogurt sauce

ingredients

• 12 slices cracked or whole-wheat bread, cut into cubes (12 cups)

• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

• 2 cans (12 fluid ounces each) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Lowfat

2% Milk

• 1 can (15 ounces) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin

• 1 cup refrigerated egg substitute or 4 large eggs, slightly beaten

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Brown Sugar-Yogurt Sauce (recipe follows)

Preparation

1. For Bread Pudding: PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch

baking dish.

2. COMBINE bread and cranberries in large bowl. Combine evapo-

rated milk, pumpkin, egg substitute, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin

pie spice and salt in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread

mixture; stir. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish; let stand for

10 minutes.

3. BAKE for 45 to 55 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes

out clean. Serve warm with Brown Sugar-Yogurt Sauce.

4. For Brown Sugar-Yogurt Sauce: COMBINE 2 containers (6 ounces

each) or 1 1/2 cups nonfat plain yogurt and 3 tablespoons packed

brown sugar in small bowl.

tjmag.com / 15

holiday calendar of events

Saturday, Nov. 21 - Lighting of Rudolph Children 11 and under are invited to celebrate the moment

with milk and cookies at 5 p.m. *While supplies last.

Saturday, Nov. 21 - Visits with SantaShare your wishes with Santa at his Winter Wonderland

through December 24.

Friday, Nov. 27 - Shop with us! The first 300 shoppers lined up in center court at 7 a.m.

will receive a holiday goody bag.

Saturday, Nov. 28 - Story time with SantaEnjoy Story time with Santa every Saturday through

December 19 at 10 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6 - Pet Photo Night K-9 friends and fluffy felines are invited to visit Santa

from 6 - 8 p.m.

calendar of events

Mall gift certificates

available!

GK Development, Inc. Properties www.lufkinmall.comGK

DE V E L O P M E N T , I N C .

When you want to taste, touch, hug and hold…experience

4600 South Medford Drive, Lufkin | www.lufkinmall.com | 936-639-1249

QuIck sweet potato pIe wIth honey walnut toppIng

ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained and mashed, or 1 cup cooked and

mashed fresh sweet potatoes

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

• 2 eggs

• 1/3 cup evaporated skimmed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In mixing bowl, beat together sweet potatoes,

brown sugar, cinnamon, canola oil and eggs. Gradually add milk, beating

until creamy. Pour into Cookie Crust. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until pie is

set. When done, remove pie from oven and spread Honey-Walnut Topping

evenly over top. Return to oven and broil until topping is bubbly and golden

brown. Watch carefully.

2. Honey-Walnut Topping - This broiled honey nut topping is the perfect

finish to the pie.

3. In medium non-stick pot, combine brown sugar, canola oil and honey.

Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Add walnuts

and stir until well-coated.

4. Cookie Crust - No rolling required, and this recipe can be used for roll-out

cookies, too.

5. Sift flour, sugar and salt together into large bowl. In separate small bowl,

whisk together canola oil, egg and milk. Pour liquid ingredients over dry

ingredients and quickly stir together, just until combined. Spoon mixture into

9-inch pie plate and press onto bottom and up sides of plate. Add filling.

Honey-Walnut Topping

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

• 2 tablespoon honey

• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Cookie Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

• Dash salt

• 1/4 cup canola oil

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon milk


landscapIngPlanning the home landscaPe |by william c. welch extension landscaPe horticulturist

A well-designed landscape is a pleasure to the family, enhances a community, and adds to the property’s resale value. Landscape design involves much more than placing trees, shrubs, and other plants on the property. It is an art which deals with conscious arrangement or organization of outdoor space for human satisfaction and enjoyment. Some of its major goals include: • Organizing and developing the site for maximum use and pleasure. • Creating a visual relationship between the house and the site. • Reducing landscape maintenance to a practical level.

Americans spend tremendous amounts of money “landscaping” their businesses, homes, streets, parks, schools, etc. Much of this money is wasted, however, because of little or no planning. People cannot understand how to landscape until they know why they landscape. There are several reasons why people “landscape”: some think it improves the appearance of their place; others like to grow plants; still others just want their place to look pretty. Too often these landscapes dominate rather than serve. Masses of plants or other materials in the landscape may take up a large portion of the space and leave little room for people.

Then how does the designer arrange space so that people will find it useful, beautiful, meaningful, and functional? His methods include: • Observing and analyzing the habits of the people who will be using the space, including their needs, desires and how much space each of their activities requires. • Studying past methods. • Surveying available materials to solve design requirements.

• Analyzing the environment of the site including the view in and around the site. The ecology of the site should be carefully analyzed since it is an important design determinant.

Not all landscaping improves the appearance of a building. The work of an insensitive designer can subdue a building, conceal important features or contradict the architect’s intent. Good landscape design can significantly improve the building’s appearance by adding warmth, livability and personality. It can also relate a building to its site and environment and give it the desired degree of dominance.

Growth and change separate landscape designs from other arts. Most works of art such as architecture, sculpture, and painting look their best when new. Landscape designs, however, are at their worst when new and improve with age. A well-designed landscape will seldom look the same any two months of the year.

The temptation to begin planting immediately is almost overwhelming. Whether you are landscaping a newly-built home or redesigning an existing landscape, the results will be much more satisfying if you plan first. Ideally, you should consult a professional landscape architect on planning, but you can produce good results if you follow these steps.

For a step by step guide, visit, http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homelandscape/home.html

tjmag.com / 17

Your communitYboyKin sPrings | Photo by lisa crow


Small business is what makes East Texas thrive. Anyone who has opened their own business knows

the anticipation to make the first year, the fifth year, and beyond. Wisteria Hideaway has made all of those years plus some. This year they celebrate their ten year anniversary.

A lot has happened over the years, but more importantly there have been many new friendships formed.

Brenda Anderson-Cole remembers when she first saw the property. “The property was on the market and I became curious about the house and the possibilities of making a bed and breakfast. It needed some cosmetic work and updates.”

They purchased the property and the renovations began. “We removed carpets to expose the pine and hard wood floors. We painted both inside and out for a fresh look and to maintain the upkeep necessary to preserve an old home,” said Cole.

After ten years of new people coming and going, resting their heads and making Wisteria Hideaway home away from home, the Coles have enjoyed getting to meet every guest. When you ask Ron and Brenda what the best part of the business is, they say, hands down, meeting new friends. “We keep in touch with a great deal of our repeat guests. We have made great friends with a lady and her husband that is originally from Lufkin. For several years now we visit them in their home in Plano. Another couple, from Alabama, stayed with us monthly

for about three years on business.” That couple from Alabama, Bonnie and Bryce Glick, sing Wisteria Hideaway praises. They knew what it was like to have to be away from home and if they had to spend the night away, they wanted to it to be somewhere that had the true feel of home. “Ron and Brenda really take the time to make it personal and get to know you and what you need. While you are there, you always get to know and meet other guests. There was one time some members of a band were staying the night, and we listened to them play their violin in the living room,” said Mrs. Glick.

In the last year, Wisteria Hideaway has added a new outdoor building to accommodate outdoor events. They call the new building Anderson Hall. It makes the grounds even more beautiful.

The best part of the whole property is when the wisterias are in bloom. The lavender color covers the ground.

Because the home is nestled back on the property, it is easy to forget about this beautiful Bed and Breakfast. But one stroll thru the property will not be forgotten. You will be ready for a guest or visitor so you can let them enjoy the experience Wisteria Hideaway has to offer. One of the best parts is the delicious breakfast that Brenda creates herself!

wisteria hideawaybusIness spotlIght

tjmag.com / 19

busIness connectIonsbusIness spotlIghtJ.P. mcdonald

In 1972, a group of women worked tirelessly to create the Museum of East Texas. After a fire in 1969 at St. Cyprian’s Church, then located at Second and Paul, the church decided to move to a new location and the property was acquired by the City of Lufkin. The women of the Lufkin Service League, assisted by interested citizens and the City of Lufkin, transformed the old church location into the Lufkin Historical and Creative Arts Center, which opened in 1976. In 1985, the board officially changed the name of the building to the Museum of East Texas.

Decades later, the Museum still stands strong, just as its founders dreamed. J.P. McDonald has served as the Museum’s Executive Director since 1991. She is proud to say, “As we enter our 34th year, the Museum continues to move forward in visual arts education, humanities, and educational programming.”

J.P.’s mother, paternal grandmother, and great-aunt deeply influenced her by exposing her to the world of art and culture. “I was lucky that my mother was a great adventurer who had a keen curiosity and made certain I was introduced to culture through travel, museums, ballet, and music,” McDonald explained.

The Museum is privileged to be the recipient of a large collection of historic photographs, regional artifacts, textiles, decorative arts, and art by renowned Texas, American, Latin American, and European artists. Many of these have been included in scholarly texts, books, and traveling exhibitions. “According to our beloved curator, the late Nancy Croom Wilson, the photographic collections number over 100,000 prints and negatives that span 100 years of local to regional history,” shared McDonald.

The Museum is honored to present JOHN JAMES AUDUON: American Artist and Naturalist until January 19, 2010. This exhibition traces Audubon’s life (1785-1851) and development as an artist and features original paintings, drawings and personal artifacts. It presents over sixty of the Double Elephant Folio, hand colored copperplate engravings from the Birds of America. Along with JOHN JAMES AUDUBON, the Museum offers three other exhibitions: Jeanelle McCall’s Birding Notebook Sketched in Thread; Mimi Hoppe Wolf’s Birds and Other Creatures of North America; and Angelina Photographic Association’s Birds.

The far reaching magnitude of these exhibits, along with the programs and lectures, will not be known until years later when we can see and hear stories of the thousands of school children that recall touring the gallery when they “were” children.

The Museum of East Texas is passionate about introducing children and their families to the world of the arts. McDonald states, “It is the goal of the Museum, through its educational programs, to preserve our collections, promote history, art, cultural understanding, and enrichment through the many exhibitions and educational programming presented each year. By building a solid audience of young people through school tours, outreach, traveling trunks, visiting artist and scholars, and other public programs, the Museum becomes a working partner along with the schools, businesses, and corporations in improving our East Texas region.”

East Texas is blessed to have J.P. McDonald continue the vision and dream of the founding members of the Museum of East Texas. The opportunities are endless for the community to get involved—from serving as a volunteer in a variety of capacities to financial support through a membership, you can become a part of the Museum family.

All exhibitions and programs are free to public and close Tuesday, January 19, 2010.For information and a calendar of events, visit www.metlufkin.org or call 936.639.4434During the Audubon exhibit, Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. December 19-23, the Museum will be open until 8 p.m.


Vanity Full Service Salon & Tanning celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, September 22nd. Vanity will be the first full service salon ever in Diboll. They currently offer tanning, nail and pedicure services, and salon services. They will soon offer spray-on tanning and multiple-level tanning beds. Pictured are: Co-Owners Jessica and

Deborah Tipton and staff. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team.

St. Cyprians Episcopal School held a Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, September 22nd to celebrate the new renovations to the school. Visitors were given tours of the school and were told about the programs available to the students. Pictured is: Head of School Brinn Williford, Rev. Art Callaham, students and staff of St. Cyprians Episcopal School, and members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team.

Walmart celebrated more than 12 weeks worth of renovations with a Re-Grand Opening on Wednesday, September 30th. The store has received a facelift in several areas, including the outside color scheme, inside decor, signage and the store’s logo. Several aisles have been rearranged to better group products by genre, such as food and groceries, toiletries, household items, sports, and auto supplies. From the left are: Barbara Sharp, Laverne Deering, Olga

Clark, Lily Andrews and Penny Gonzalez. Sharp, Deering and Clark have been with the company since Walmart came to Lufkin in 1976.

angelIna countychamber of commerce

tjmag.com / 21

angelIna countychamber of commerce

Harmony Christian School celebrated their new facilities and playground with a ribbon cutting on Friday, September 25th. Renovations to the school started in May, and were completed just in time for school this fall. The new building will place all the students together. The school renovations have also provided a designated area for school administration on the first floor of their new building. Pictured are Flo Davis, school administrator and staff; Senior Pastor Dr. John

Greene and Executive Pastor Donnie Griggs; Todd Kassaw, board president of the Chamber of Commerce and members of Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team.

Memorial Health System of East Texas introduced its new Cardiovascular & Stroke Center to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Tuesday, September 29th. The facility will work in conjunction with the Methodist Health System of Houston to provide state-of-the-art care to East Texans. The center has created 60 new jobs in the Lufkin community and patients will began to move in at the end of October. Pictured from the left are: David Hearne, Jerry Huffman, Wes Suiter, Terry Elliot, Mario Estrello, Les Leach, Dr. Ravinder Bachireddy, Patricia McKenzie, Dr. Abraham F. Cheriyan, Jack Gorden, Jim McReynolds, Bryant Krenek, Jay Shands, Buddy Temple, W. Temple Webber, Wayne Corley and Buddy Zeagler.

Chamber Academy wants your OpinionWhat type of business classes are you interested in?

• Social Networking• Quickbooks• Building a Business Plan• Websites• Advertising/Marketing

Email your answer to [email protected] or call the Chamber at 936.634.6644


Alive After FiveLaw firm partners Travis Clardy, Jeff Davis, Drew Knowles and their staff are pleased to invite all to visit the newly remodeled offices. Join them at the Chamber’s after-business-hours mixer, Alive After Five, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19, at 209 E. Main St. Make new business contacts and enjoy an evening of good food and fun in Nacogdoches historic downtown district. Fourth Friday LuncheonTxDOT district engineer Dennis R. Cooley will give an East Texas Transportation Update at Fourth Friday Luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Dec. 4 at Hotel Fredonia. Registration is required. Contact the chamber for more information.

ribbon cutting celebrations

Heart to Heart Cardiovascular Assoc. Dr. Gary A. Barkocy4848 N.E. Stallings Dr., Ste. 103 (936) 560-4327

WildflowerJan Tracy, owner413 E. Main St. (936) 552-6406.

Advanced Surgical Associates of East Texas / Colon & Rectal Clinic of East TexasGregory McClain, MD/CEO 617 Russell Blvd. (936) 205-5900

Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, PLLCDr. Jon Caster, owner1105 N. University Dr., Ste. 102 (936) 560-5437.

Alpha Phi OmegaJoshua Moore, president2424 Pecan St., Ste. 101 (936) 645-7985.

Nacogdoches County United WayGary Lee Ashcraft, executive director (936) 679-6465.

nacogdoches countychamber of commerce

tjmag.com / 23

nacogdoches countychamber of commerce

Find everything online at www.nacogdoches.orgContact the Chamber for the exclusive, members-only Web badge, left, for your web site!

Membership listings – All Chamber members with contact information. Search by name or category.Community Events Calendar - View events and submit your business, organization, church, school, etc. events for Nacogdoches ’ only all-inclusive community event calendar.Hot News - Be informed! Know what the Chamber is doing. Register - Important information forms and registration fliers posted for your convenience. NacBlog - Share your opinions. Read and comment on hot topics at NacBlog. Shop Nac First - Go to the site that promotes thinking globally, shopping locally.Event photos and video - Find the links to view online photo albums and the Chamber’s video channel.

Special Find Antiques and CollectiblesJerry Graham, owner 411 E. Main St . (936) 564-0075.

Nacogdoches High School - Information Central Library and MultimediaDr. Rodney Hutto, superintendent4310 Appleby Sand Rd. (936) 569-5000.

jOIN THE NExT RIBBON CuTTING EvENT:11:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 5The Dragonfly Gift Shop and Gallery134 N. Mound St . , (936) 558-7200New addition to downtown nursery.

Chamber education program receives state honor The Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives honored the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce for its NOBLE (Nacogdoches County Opportunity for a Better Learning Experience) program. NOBLE received an Education Award “In recognition of the design and implementation of the best new Chamber of Commerce program in Texas .” Chamber President/CEO Bruce Partain accepted the award plaque at the TCCE Volunteer Conference on Oct. 9 in Austin .


november 2009calendar of events5 Salute to Healthcare BanquetLufkin Pitser Garrison Civic Center: 936-634-6644

6First Friday Cruise Nights5 - 8 p.mFor info call: 559-2573 Downtown Nacogdoches

7Speak up for Kids 5K and Fun Run/Walk9 a.m.; benefiting Casa of Deep East TexasFor info call: Maria Gutierrez, 936-560-4711Pecan Park, 728 E Starr Ave$10 for kids, $20 adults

71st Saturday Sidewalk SaleDowntown Nacogdoches10 a.m. - 5 p.m.For info call: 559-2573

7SFA Lumberjack Football vs. Nicholls6 p.m.Lumberjack Stadium468-JACK

7First Friday “Holiday Open House Extravaganza”5 - 8 p.m.For info call: 559-2573Downtown NacCheck out all of the great holiday finds at all of our downtown merchants: Shop late till 8and be the first to snag great holiday merchandise!

7Farmers Market8 a.m.107 Pearl Street

7Dish and Spoon Kids and Teens Cooking Contest11:30 a.m.For info call: 559-2970Nacogdoches Public LibraryThe Nacogdoches Public Library is hosting the 4th annual The Dish & The Spoon CookingContest for children and teens ages 4 - 18. Food categories are salad/appetizer, entréeand dessert. Contestants will compete in age groups of 4 - 7, 8 - 13 and 14 - 18.

7Live Music on the Patio7:30 - 10:30 p.m.The Hotel Fredonia564-1234

7 Hospice in the Pines Annual Memorial WalkJoe W. Elliott House: 936-632-1514

7 Texas Gold Star OpryLufkin Pitser Garrison Civic Center: 936-564-2279

7 Birding with Susie LowerEllen Trout Park: 936-639-4434

8 Dr. Heinz Gaylord Lecture: “A Sample of East Texas Fungi”2 p.m. at the Museum of East Texas: 936-639-4434

13-15Millard’s Flea MarketDawn to Dusk6020 North Street936-564-4490

14-30Fall Foliage TrailDrive through east Texas and discover the amazing colors of fall. We are home to someof the most beautiful fall foliage in the country. Why not make your drive complete with a stop in the Oldest Town in Texas? Stop by or call the Nacogdoches Visitors Center for a detailed map.

14Tour De Nac7.8 53 and 27.8 mile ride; 888-Oldest-Town

1424th Annual Downtown Art Walk10 a.m.–3 p.m. and 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.Downtown NacogdochesJoin in with our local galleries to help celebrate artists from around the world. List of participating galleries available at the Visitors Center, 200 E. Main

14Nacogdoches Public Library “Bedknobs & Broomsticks” Rated G12:00 p.m.FREE936-559-2970

14Lufkin Landscape Task Force Annual GalaLufkin Civic Center 936-632-5413

14 Birding with Louis Debetaz and Carroll MooreKurth Lake Adults Only 8 a.m. to noon.Reservations Required. Email [email protected] to make your reservation.

15 Gina Donovan lecture: “Birds and Bottomlands”2 p.m. at the Museum of East Texas: 936-639-4434

tjmag.com / 25

Send us your events at [email protected] deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

(November 15th for the December issue)In order for your event to be included please list all ofthe following:

Date, Event Name, Brief Description, Event Location, Time, and Contact.

16The Evan Bradford Memorial Golf Tournament (benefitting The March of Dimes) Crown Colony. For more information please call 936-639-4557

17The Dinner Party at Hotel Fredonia6:30 p.m.For info call: 936-564-1234

19 AC Swinging Roadrunner Jazz Band and ACC Big BandAngelina College – Hudgins Hall Auditorium: 936-633-5233

19Holiday in the Pines Market- One HIP NightHotel Fredonia$20.00 (includes 2 day pass); 6:30-9 p.m.Tickets available at Regions Bank, Bancorp South, House of Traditions, Commercial Bank and The Cottage and in Lufkin at Beard Fine Jewelers and The Garden Gate.

19Nacogdoches Public Library “American Girl, Chrissa Stands Strong12 p.m.FREE936-559-2970

19Joe Hamrick lecture: “John James Audubon: His Art, Family, and Life”7 p.m. at the Museum of East Texas. 936-639-4434

20Holiday in the Pines Market Shopping11 am - 8 pmThe Hotel Fredonia$4 presale $6 at the door

21Holiday in the Pines Market Shopping9 am - 5 pmThe Hotel Fredonia$4 presale $6 at the door

21-22Jingle Bells and Candy Cane Holiday Market Temple Civic Center in Diboll Sat. from 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Sun. from 1-5pm Admission is free, but all patrons are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the Angle Tree mission of the Salvation Army.

21 Nacogdoches Public Library “Oliver and Company” Rated G12 p.m.FREE936-559-2970

21Nine Flags Festival Lighting CeremonyDowntown Nacogdoches6 - 9 p.m.

21Birding with Jim Neal & Cliff Shackelford8 a.m. at Ellen Trout Park 936-639-4434

21Santa’s Arrival Lufkin Mall 936-639-1249.

21Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit Lighting Lufkin Mall 936-639-1249

21- December 24 Visits with Santa Lufkin Mall 936-639-1249

27 – January 4“Festival of Trees”Museum of East Texas 936-639-4434

28Story Time with Santa Lufkin Mall (936) 639-1249. (Dec 5, 12, 19)

December 3-Annual Christmas ParadeDowntown Lufkin 936-633-0205December 5-Santa Claus Express The Texas Forestry Museum 936-632-9535


taylor lowerythe lodgeSeptember 27, 2009Lufkin

places and facesYo u r Co m m u n i t Y /

tutle raceellen trout lakeoctober 3, 2009Lufkin

tjmag.com / 27

simply pinkpineywoodS country cluboctober 1, 2009Nacogdoches

places and faces

wisteria hideaway 10th anniversaryoctober 18, 2009Lufkin

alive after fiveSuddenlinkoctober 15, 2009Nacogdoches


power of pinklufkin civic center october 15, 2009Lufkin

nacaGdoches chamber banquethotel fredoniaSeptember 29, 2009Nacogdoches

tjmag.com / 29

/ Yo u r Co m m u n i t Y

macy may ribbon cuttinGoctober 20, 2009 Nacogdoches

pumpkin partymuSeum ofeaSt texaSoctober 24, 2009Lufkin

/ Yo u r Co m m u n i t Y

Jon hart trunkshowadair boutiqueoctober 23, 2009 Nacogdoches


gIvIng backhosPice

Many people have a vague or incomplete understanding of the wonderful work

and ministry of Hospice in the Pines. Hospice care becomes a viable option

when a patient has been diagnosed with an incurable life-limiting disease and

would rather seek comfort measures. Hospice in the Pines is a team of nurses,

nurse aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers that address the physical,

emotional, and spiritual pain that is often associated with a life-limiting illness.

These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Normal operating

hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any needs outside of the normal operating

hours are addressed by the hospice on-call team. Hospice in the Pines also has a

five-bed inpatient unit, which allows patients meeting criteria to receive hospice

care in an inpatient setting. The Hospice inpatient unit is staffed 24 hours per day

7 days per week with a team of onsite hospice nurses. In addition to care in the

inpatient setting, Hospice in the Pines offers its services in private homes, assisted

living centers, and nursing homes. This exceptional care is primarily funded

through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. The Medicare and Medicaid

hospice benefit offers durable medical equipment and supplies, medications that

are required for the pain and symptom management of the life-limiting illness,

and hospice care staff; which are all provided under this benefit with no additional

out of pocket expense. Since Hospice in the Pines is a non-profit organization, no

patient is denied services if they lack a payer source.

Oftentimes, the phrase “they have called in hospice” carries a negative

connotation, but Hospice in the Pines offers a plethora of support and resources

during a difficult time for patients and their families. Hospice in the Pines has been

very effective in assisting patient and families to reconcile broken relationships,

baptisms, complete marriage ceremonies, and accomplish a variety of life goals.

In fact, many who have utilized the Hospice in the Pines services share the common

statement of “I wish we would have known about you all sooner.”

The major concern with Hospice in the Pines is 38.6% of our annual census expire

within 7 days. The national average demonstrates 31% died or were discharged

in 7 days while 31.1% terminate services after 180 days or more. Thus, the

tjmag.com / 31

hosPice

underutilization and delayed use of hospice services continues to be a problem that plagues hospice

programs across the nation. Hospice in the Pines would like patients and families to know that it is

never too soon to make contact with Hospice in the Pines for questions or to determine eligibility for

services.

What distinguishes Hospice in the Pines from other organizations? First, Hospice in the Pines is a

community based organization that has a wealth of experience in hospice care since its inception in

1986. Secondly, Hospice in the Pines is an organization that participates with the community and

makes every attempt to give back to the communities that it serves.

If you are looking for someone to care for you and your family during a time that care is most needed,

choose Hospice in the Pines. When we enter this world, we are surrounded by love, friends, family,

and care. Don’t you think we deserve the same when we leave?


The minute she arrived into this world- it was obvious to all of those around her that she was going to be a strong person. The day Georgann McClain was born at 26 weeks, she weighed one pound 10 ounces and was 13 inches long. It was a very emotional roll coaster for her mother especially, but looking past all of it now, Georgann is a very driven and talented young woman.

Born and raised in Nacogdoches, she is a product of what East Texas is all about; a small town, close knit community. She is in the middle of her senior year at Nacogdoches High School. This is the moment so many young girls look forward to in their life. Georgann has mixed emotions. “I am excited about graduating this year and looking forward to living away from home, but I am also going to miss the life

Georgann McClain

Inspiring Young Woman

tjmag.com / 33

/ F e at u r e s

Inspiring Young WomanI have always known. All my friends that I see in the halls everyday- it is really sad to think that I might not ever see them again.”

Georgann has taken full advantage of what the community, NISD, and many organizations in Nacogdoches have to offer during the years of her “growing up.” She has been very involved in extracurricular activities. The most inspiring part of her is not the activities she participated in nor the positions she has held- but her upstanding character and the role model she is for her peers and young girls that look up to her.

This year Georgeann is the Drill Team Captain at Nacogdoches High School. At this past Heritage Festival, she was named “Lady in Waiting.” Along with these two high accolades, she also is involved with Student Council, FFA, High School

Rodeo, Key Club President, Grace Bible Youth Group, and is concurrently enrolled at SFA.

Known to her family as “Georgie,” her mom, Belinda Mclain says, “I am often amazed myself, not by the number of things she is able to do well; but by her faith. She is so grounded in her faith and at a level that some people don’t find until they are old or possibly never. She is a wonderful gift that our Lord allowed us to know and love.”

Many of the positions she has held have been in leadership positions. The positions not only carry the importance of leadership, but that of high responsibility. Georgann says, “I have really enjoyed what I have learned over the years. For instance, growing up I always wanted to be a part of the Heritage Festival, so I could wear the white dress and makeup, etc…But this year I learned so much more. It really taught me a lot about myself along with the life skills it teaches you. Then, being the drill team captain is fun and challenging at the same time. I am the captain of 11 girls. We have to deal with the every day drama and bickering, and we have to work through those situations together. And I have learned a lot just by being a captain and seeing how different girls respond to leadership, but

more importantly, my leadership.”

Georgann acknowledges the importance of mentors and role models in her life. There were many people she named that have been by her side at different points in her life. But one in particular gave her advice that she has remembered and kept with her- Micki Gunter, her riding coach. “She taught me so much. Micki is a go getter and always told me that I cannot give up. Not just on riding or my lessons- but with life in general. She told me to always write my goals down.” Georgann Mclain has a lot ahead of her. She looks forward to deciding between attending Texas Tech and Texas A&M. Depending on the university, she plans on majoring in nursing or accounting.


NamedbyGod

Inspiring WomenAs I pray and ponder over this article, the word “inspiring” seems to be on a repetitious loop in my head. Inspiring…Inspiring? I immediately begin to chuckle under my breath as I heave a dramatic sigh and the tears begin to threaten my intricately painted mascara. I think to myself, “Of all people, I am the least inspiring person I know.” Within the walls of this self-doubting and unworthy shell of flesh, there lie many dark and dingy caves of sin. And although these treacherous caves have been boarded up for some time now, I live each and every day with the knowledge of what lies buried deep beneath the NO TRESPASSING sign. To even begin to consider myself “inspiring” would be hypocrisy in its greatest moment.

And although my person, the flesh of Kasey is nothing to boast about, I currently carry with me THE MOST INSPRING experience and truth ever told since the creation of man. That’s right. I may not personally be inspiring, but the transforming power that dwells within my being is inspiring beyond the comprehension of the human mind. And I encourage all of us to ponder the following question for ourselves: suppose I am wrong in my position. Suppose there is no all-consuming power, no

Kasey Van Norman

tjmag.com / 35

transformation, no Creator and Sustainer, no sacrificial Son of God. To that supposition I say; “Well then, I am wrong.” If my entire life is built on a fictional eternity, then, when it is my time…I will simply die. I will be buried in the dirt, and my existence soon forgotten by future generations.

BUT!!! BUT…what if I am NOT wrong? What if I am correct in my belief of this supernatural, life-changing power? What if there truly IS more to this brief existence and the path beyond death than you have ever had the courage to imagine? It’s the “what-ifs” in our life that should consume our attention!

To give you a brief background, I am what us local “Nacogdochians” call a B.I.N. – Born In Nac! As a third generation B.I.N., I would say that I am fairly acquainted with the East Texas area and its unique heritage. My home will always have the fresh smell of pine and the old-time feel of downtown at Christmas. But if I am honest, my heart is somewhere far away from the comforts of small town, and yearns to be elsewhere; somewhere in the remote villages of Africa, prayer-walking in the streets…or somewhere in a mountainous encampment, playing with and loving on special needs children…or maybe somewhere in the dark and dingy inner-city, leading prostitutes and drug-dealers to the Lord.

Only the Lord knows where my journey will lead, but for today, He has given me the role of wife and mother as my first priority. I have been married to the finest cowboy a girl could ever want for the past seven years. And I have the honor and privilege of raising two of the most precious treasures I will ever know--Emma Grace and Lake,1.

The pristine and clean resume profile of Kasey Porter Van Norman would read as follows: Kasey attended Nacogdoches High School, where she participated in choir and theater, graduating in 1998. Kasey then went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, where she began as a vocal performance major, and ended up with two undergraduate degrees in Communication and Psychology,

and a Masters degree in Community Counseling. (This was simply due to the fact that I changed my major seven times and had extra hours to earn multiple degrees. You might say I struggled with “who God wanted me to be”)! She graduated with her Masters in 2005, and had a baby girl three months later. Kasey now teaches music at the Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy, takes care of her home and children, and is working to launch her new teaching ministry, Beautiful Adventure, with the release of her first published book, Named By God.

“Wow…this girl seems like she’s got it all together,” some might say. And for much of my adult life I did wear the shiny mask of perfection upon appearance. I desired for others to look at my life and see a well put-together person, with a well put-together family. You know that shiny mask I’m referring to, right? I’m the one who stood in the closet for hours trying to find the perfect outfit for church, and then yelled at my husband for something insignificant because I couldn’t find the perfect outfit for church, and THEN threw my kids in the car and yelled at them because I settled for a less than perfect outfit for church…and then, once I huffed and puffed my way through the church doors and the greeter asked me, “How are you today, Kasey?” I would simply turn OFF the real me, put on my shiny mask, flash him a smile, and say, “I’m doing FANTASTIC!”

Therefore, may I now present the not so shiny, (mask-off ), profile of Kasey: Kasey’s parents were divorced when she was thirteen. Due to the broken home, her father was primarily absent from her life, and as Kasey began to mature, she longed for the love and encouragement of a man. Kasey was raped at the age of fifteen, and instead of reacting in fear of the opposite sex, Kasey felt damaged beyond repair, and of no future value to a good, Christian man. Therefore, she sought security and worth in the eyes of any relationship that would have her. She struggled with bulimia, cutting, and hours in front of the mirror striving to make herself more physically appealing. At the age of

eighteen, Kasey found herself completely independent from her family; working three jobs, living on her own, and putting herself through college.

A Christian since the age of nine, Kasey loved the Lord and desired His will for her life throughout the many treacherous hikes she journeyed along the way. Because the Lord desired the very best for His child, He brought her into a relationship with the exact man she never imagined would love her. At the age of 22, she was married to the one God gave to her, and gave birth to her first child at the age of 24.

From the outside, Kasey’s life has seen its fair share of suffering, but for the most part, her life has been full of success, ministry, and Godly friendships. But on the inside…a war was being waged within her restless mind. And as if her past battle wounds were not deep enough, she decided to wage war on those closest to her through weapons of lying and betrayal. As though standing on the outside looking in, Kasey began a downward climb into a dark pit of sin. And waiting for her at the bottom, was none other than the “roaring lion” himself, Satan (1 Peter 5:8).

For me to be writing this article only eight months ago would have been hypocritical and dishonoring to God. I loved the Lord with all my heart, but I was unwilling to truly believe He could love me in the entirety of what I longed for. Therefore, instead of giving over my entire being to the Lord, I kept several fleshly pieces back for myself.

At this point you are hopefully asking; “So…what changed?” “What significant experience made you transform from simply testing the water to leaping in head first?” That question is easily answered with one word…LOVE.

In Luke, chapter 7, verses 36-50, Jesus introduces us to a woman. This woman is not considered by scholars to be a Biblical giant. In fact, the Scripture does not even give us her name. But, of all the characters who grace the pages of the Word of God, it is


to this woman I most relate. Here’s what we DO know about this woman: she is described as sinful, and she attempts to bring Jesus a bottle of perfume. But, before she can find her composure to even approach Him, she finds herself kneeling before Him, weeping so intensely, the tears drip onto His feet. To this, she immediately begins to wipe the tears with her hair, as she kisses His wet feet. That night, the religious leaders stood in shock and began hurling insults and judgment at the past sin of this woman; how could she dare approach the Son of God with such an ugly past in tow?

But you see, Jesus already knew the details of her past before she ever approached Him, and He also sensed her intense brokenness before Him. In verse 47, I picture the tender hands of Jesus reaching down to this sobbing and broken pile of flesh, lifting up her chin so that her eyes might look into His grace-filled face, as He says to her, “your many sins have been forgiven--for you have loved much.”

What pulled me out of my pit of self-fear, self-doubt, and insecurity, was the incomprehensible LOVE of the Lord. And what transformed me, was the POWER that love offers! 1 Peter 4:8 tells us that it is “LOVE which covers over a multitude of sins.” Ephesians 3:17-20 tells us that if we allow God’s unexplainable love to consume us, we will be filled with the fullness of Him, as well as receive “immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine!”

You see, Christ doesn’t say, “If you will trust me, I might grant you love; or if you work really hard and act really good, then I will love you.” NO! He tells us that if we will choose to love as He does, and to also believe in the love He alone offers, He will promise to literally blow us away with what He has in store for our lives. The problem in our world today is that far too many people are quick to believe IN a God, but do not BELIEVE God. We walk around depressed, anxious, fearful, doubting, questioning, worrying, and insecure, simply

because we think we are better off outside the water. We have no idea the adventure that awaits us when we choose to throw ourselves into the unknown depths below.

When I finally chose to place my hands into the pierced palms of Jesus; when I chose to look straight into His glorious face and focus completely on Him; when I chose to BELIEVE that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the Creator of this universe (Psalm 139); it was then, in that moment…I was TRANSFORMED! And it was in that time with my Savior that I began to write! I have always loved telling stories, either through drama or song, but I had never put serious pen to paper as to the amazing truths being shown to me by the Lord. I found myself writing down everything! I began going back in time. Back to my years as a child, my mistakes as a teenager, my insecurities within my friendships and my marriage, my self-doubt as a mother; and I just started writing. I wrote everything the Lord has shown me, taught me, and challenged me with. I found myself being more vulnerable and transparent with my past sin than ever before. I found myself addicted to writing and reading God’s Word. I would spend hours in front of the computer each day, before the sun would rise, and after my family was in bed; just me and God…putting my heart on paper. Within three months, I had compiled a six week journey--my journey.

Fresh out of a stronghold of sin, the Lord showed Himself to me. My writing was the Lord’s healing instrument for my weak and wounded soul. I had no idea where the words were coming from, because I most assuredly had not the wisdom nor years to write such truth. And that’s when I knew it was Him. And for the first time in a long time, I believed HIM. Oh yes, I have always loved and believer in my God, but when He began using my fingers and thoughts as an outpouring of His Spirit, I BELIEVED Him in a big way!“Named By God” is a daily devotional and interactive study for the reader, but for

me, it is a work of healing and restoration for a sinner such as I. You see, I could not effectively write about being in a pit of sin, had I not lingered there myself. And I could not effectively write about the transforming power available through the blood-shed of Christ, had I not been washed in that blood myself. Oh sure, people want to hold you back. Naysayers and onlookers want you to sit in the corner for an extended amount of time and think about what you’ve done. But I have come to the decision that to do so would be a mockery of the cross. For those tempted to let the gossipers of this world bring them down, repeat Hebrews 10:22 to yourself as many times as it takes to sink in: “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” It should absolutely blow us away that our God not only desires to forgive our sin, He also desires to remove from us the guilt of that sin.

It is completely outside of my realm of understanding that God has allowed a broken mess such as myself to publish a book and begin a teaching/speaking ministry in His name.

So…what about you? Are you living your destiny? Are you “throwing off everything that hinders you and running the race set for you with your eyes fixated on the author and perfector of your faith (Heb. 12:1-2)?” As for me, God is teaching me to take each day as it comes. And each day, I desire to be willing to live in complete abandon to His purposes.

You can pick up a copy of “Named by God” at the Good Book in Nacogdoches or by visiting, www.kaseyvannorman.com. A special event presented by Kasey Van Norman and Beautiful Adventure Ministries will take place on Saturday, November 14th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Fredonia Hill Baptist Church, UNVEILED 2009. This is a free event for all ladies experience what the surrounding communities have to offer as far as physical renewal, while informing you on the Biblical steps of heart renewal. Kasey is also available for speaking engagements, teaching sessions, and conferences. To learn more about Beautiful Adventure Ministries, visit her website.

tjmag.com / 37

Your Lifechrist ePiscoPal school PumPKin Patch | Photo by Kristie huddleston


Jim SmithOver the last 19 years, Jim has learned the fine art of being a great husband. We have survived some hard times on many levels. We have also been blessed beyond measure with countless sweet times, lots of laughs, and a beautiful family. He loves the Lord in a deep, quiet way, and is humble enough to trust Him completely. He is engaged in home life, active in our children’s lives, and helpful around the house. I am grateful to spend my life with him.

Alison Smith

Jared SowellJared Sowell and I have been married for 7 years and have been blessed with two beautiful children, Kailey (4) and Camden (2). Jared is a Lufkin firefighter and in his off time he is a San Augustine volunteer fireman. Jared loves to help people and for that and everything he does for us, he is our HERO. He always has time to do something fun and special with the kids. Jared is more than just a father, he is a daddy in every sense of the word. Jared’s kids are his heart--he even stays home with the kids on his days off when I am at work. On top of everything else, he always has time for me and always makes me feel so loved and cherished .Jared is a wonderful Christian man and I thank God everyday for bringing us together.

Christy Sowell

Hall of fame Hubbies

Please submit your Hall of Famer to [email protected]. Be sure to include a photo with 75 words telling us about your husband. Do not forget to list your children or grandchildren’s names if you would like to include them.

tjmag.com / 39

/ Yo u r L i F e

Pretty Babies

We cover everything from top to…you know.

www.woodlandheights.net

C h o o s e W e l l .

40883_WHMC_7_375x3_4C.indd 1 2/17/09 6:06:20 PM

1.

2.

3.

4.

CADEN ALSBROOKSJUNE 9, 2009PROUD PARENTS: TIFFANY AND CHASE ALSBROOKSPROUD GRANDPARENTS: KATHY AND DANNY ALSBROOKS, BARBARA AND JACK FRANKENSLUFKIN ADDISYN PLATTDECEMBER 18, 2008PROUD PARENTS: STACEY AND JESSE PLATTCORRIGAN DAWSON LEE GREENAPRIL 24, 2009PROUD PARENTS: MEMORY & DORSEY GREENPROUD GRANDPARENTS: KIM & BILL STANALAND, KATHERINE & DORSEY SR. GREENNACOGDOCHES PRESLEY MORGAN MADDUxAUGUST 12, 2009PROUD PARENTS: AMBER AND MACON MADDUxPROUD GRANDPARENTS: BRENDA AND W.F. MADDUx, LISA AND DENNIS SHOEMAKERLUFKIN BLAIR ELIZABETH SCUDDEROCTOBER 11, 2008PROUD PARENTS: MEREDITH AND CHRISTIAN SCUDDERLUFKIN

5.

1.

3.2.

4. 5.


/ Yo u r L i F e

order of the eastern starGirls Group

Order of the Eastern Star is a part of Masonic organizations and is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter. While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except those of no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.

In the United States alone, Masonic organizations give $1.5 million a day to charities.

“OES is important to me because each generation in my family has continuously been a part of Masonry for at least 300 years,” said Terri Thompson-Sayler. “On my mother’s side of the family, her uncle traced his grandfathers to 1702 in Virginia through Masonic membership records. I felt it was very important to carry on this family tradition. So far, I am the only one to do so in my generation of the family on either side. My father is the only one in his generation to be a part of Masonic Life.

Terri Thompson-Sayler adds, “It’s all about helping others within and outside of the Order. I believe it is possible to pay it forward, I will never be able to really repay everyone who has helped me over the years, but I can be kind to others and help whenever and wherever possible. The Order of the Eastern Star gives me an avenue to fulfill that promise I made to one of my mentors years ago.”

“The companionship of others, reaching out to those in need, and friendship of other OES men and women is why I joined,” said Bobbie

Williams, Worthy Matron #428. Williams recently received her 25-year pin. She also added, “It is great being able to see the younger women grow, be willing to help others, and be concerned about the welfare of others, thus benefiting the community around them through a caring, sharing, and non-profit organization.”

The Nacogdoches Chapter has about 100 members. There are eleven chapters in our local district, which is part of the Grand Chapter of Texas. Many of the members are a part of the organization because of the focus on the betterment of the community and society around us, helping to make the world a better place everyday. The focus is a non-profit benevolent group which helps others.

This year, OES Nacogdoches #428 donated supplies to area schools, is helping collect coats for kids and adults, plus they continuously find ways to help the elderly in our community. In the past, they have helped the Masons with a place to cool off during the Blueberry Festival at the Milam Lodge #2, the second oldest Masonic Lodge in Texas, in the Oldest Town in Texas.

Sources:http://www.grandchapteroftexasoes.org/faq.asphttp://www.easternstar.org/aboutoes.htm

tjmag.com / 41

your walletCOuNT YOuR BLESSINGS PART 1

It’s the time of year we pause to give thanks. This may be difficult for those e x p e r i e n c i n g

job and money losses. Despite your financial situation, it is important to be grateful. And the more grateful you are, the more blessings you receive.

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, here is “The 12 Days Before Christmas” blessings countdown to guide you in the mindset of gratefulness. Record your thoughts each day in a special notebook. At the end of the twelfth day, re-read each day, combined with your notes. Do you see the joy, the abundance, and the riches in your life despite your present financial situation? You are experiencing gratitude and its ability to “make every doubt fly and keep you singing as the days (holidays that is) go by.”

Day 1 Partridge in a Pear Tree: What does a partridge do? It sings. What music are you

grateful for? What sounds are precious to you? For inspiration, search Susan Boyle on youtube.com.

Day 2 Turtle Doves: Doves are the symbol for peace. What creates peace and serenity in your life? Do that today instead of listening to the negative media. That’s one secret of having peace about your money.

Day 3 French Hens: For your meal, not only thank the hens for laying the eggs; but also thank the farmer, the truck driver, and the store clerk responsible for placing the eggs on the grocery shelf.

Day 4 Calling Birds: When’s the last time you “called” on your friends? Take the time to connect with someone special. Record how you feel and how thankful you are for this person.

Day 5 Golden Rings: Despite the losses in your retirement and savings accounts, bless your money. The way you relate to money dictates the way you feel about your life. When you exchange money, “see” it providing good

and say to yourself, “Divine Love blesses and multiplies all that I have, all that I give, and all that I receive.”

Day 6 Geese a Laying: The distant cry of geese reminds us of another approaching season. As we gather the corn and prepare our winter gardens, be thankful for the earth’s natural cycles. Bless nature.

The next 6 Days of Christmas will be featured in the December issue.

Want to learn more? Join the Wealth Wise Woman’s E-class “Creating Perfect Harmony with Money” on Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 am CDT. Call 800-289-8149 or email [email protected].

MariJo Harding is a Financial Advisor Coach who ministers to women by helping them create a true financial peace of mind based on what women really want, while aligning their true purpose of money with their spending and investing decisions. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW), which enables her to understand the emotional and psychological needs of female investors. She is the author of the forthcoming book, Becoming a Wealth Wise Woman: A Secret Recipe with Seven Special Ingredients.

www.WealthWiseWoman.orgMariJoHarding@WealthWiseWoman.org713-899-4104

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count

your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897 hymn


/ Yo u r L i F e

Paul & Elizabeth ShepherdWedding date: September 19, 2009 in Curacao, Netherlands AntillesReception date: October 10,2009 in Cochino Lodge Kennard,TxJasper, TexasPhotographer Trecia Johnson

Do you have an engagement, bridal, or wedding photo you would like to share with The Journey? Email your photo to [email protected]

Amy Nowak & Brent HowardSeptember 26, 2009Wisteria HideawayPhotographer Becki Basham

Wedding Bells

tjmag.com / 43

Stephanie Moore and Jack Knox Wedding Date: November 7, 2009

First Christian Church, Lufkin

Jacquelyn and Brady FranksMay 23, 2009

Saint Cyprian’s Episcopal ChurchReception held at Wisteria Hideaway

Bed & Breakfast


/ Yo u r L i F e

relatIonshIpswill the real ? standuP? | by Kathryn greene

I know many of you don’t remember the television show “To Tell the Truth” (1966- ). My parents told me about the show – I can’t be old enough to remember it! (Ha! Ha!) You can Google “To Tell the Truth” and see show clips – it is fun to watch how the three contestants claiming to all be the same person can deceive the panel of judges. I wonder how many of you are deceivers by being that person who is masking your real self.

I was leading a class this week with a group of ladies who are tired of masking and trying to be someone that God did not make them to be. Many of them (as well as many of us) have bought into the lie that we have to please certain people or do certain things in order to have significance and feel good about our self. Believing that lie and acting in ways that are not the real will yield unwanted results. You can’t live a life of deception. There will come a time you can no longer play the game – the mask will fall off and the real you will be revealed. And, you won’t necessarily pick the time or place that will happen.

Do you know the real you? I find that so many have “lost” their identity. They have grown up in an environment of fighting and rejection where they were made to feel like they could not do anything right. They never felt like they measured up to the perceived standard. Feelings of failure can result from abuse and neglect or many other things. As a result, patterns of survival take over and many times the person’s true identity gets lost. A child might appear to be happy, even funny, definitely the center of attention so that the dysfunction of the family is covered up. A child might take on the role of a parent to keep the family intact in the presence of the dysfunctional behavior of one of the parents. Later in life (around the age of 30-something) they find themselves not able to continue in

that survival mode. They can’t rescue everyone, they can’t protect everyone, and they can no longer be someone that God did not design them to be.

The truth found in God’s Word says that you are deeply loved, fully pleasing, and totally accepted by Him. As you study God’s Word and experience loving relationships with people who know these truths, you will begin to gain an understanding of the way God values you. When you trust Christ and experience new life, forgiveness, and love, your life will begin to change. You will need to put yourself in relationships that will encourage you to feel what you may have suppressed for all those earlier years. To begin releasing your old self-concept, you need to begin to base your self-worth on God’s opinion of you and trust in Him to accomplish this change in your life. Then, the real you can stand up!

Truth Card(From The Search for Significance by Robert McGee)

Because of Christ’s redemption,I am a new creation of infinite worth.I am deeply loved, I am completely forgiven,I am fully pleasing, I am totally accepted by God.I am absolutely complete in Christ.

When my performance reflects my new identity in Christ,that reflection is dynamically unique.

There has never been another person like mein the history of mankind,nor will there ever be.God has made me an original, one of a kind, a special person.

tjmag.com / 45

educatIon Jamie mahan - teacher of the month

Introducing our first Teacher of the Month! Jamie Mahan is like no other teacher I have ever met! Her energy and her connection with her students are magical! She really encourages her students to have fun and “let loose” while learning. Don’t get me wrong though--there is a “no excuses” side to her as well. She definitely practices tough love. This teaches kids so much, especially responsibility for their own actions. Each time I visit her classroom it is like a pep rally for learning. Oh, and did I mention she is my son’s teacher?

TJM: Tell us about you?JM: I have been happily married to my husband John for 17 years. We have two sons, Judd (15) and Jace (11). We teach the Middle School boys and girls Sunday School class at Southside Baptist Church. I’m currently the Lufkin Panther Mother’s Club Vice President. GO PACK! I teach Gifted and Talented Second graders at Dunbar Primary as well as serve as the PACE Parent Liaison. I am currently in my 19th year of teaching and I love it just as much today as the day I greeted my very first group of students.

TJM: Why did you decide to become a teacher?JM: I think I decided I wanted to be a teacher after my first day of kindergarten. As soon as I got home from school most days, I would sit my younger brother down to teach him what all I had learned that day at school. I know God has given me a passion for young children and their parents. TJM: What do you like most about teaching?JM: What I like most about teaching is getting to meet so many people each year. I really try to build relationships that will last for years, not for just the year I have the students. I also love to see the spark in a student’s eyes when they have mastered something or they get so excited about learning something new that they come back the next day with information they have gathered about the new subject all on their own. One other thing I love about teaching is the fact that I get to continually learn something new almost each and every day.

The registered nurses and dietitians at the Horace C. Polk Jr. Diabetes Center can develop an individualized treatment plan that is designed just for you. • Education • Meal Planning • Medication • Self-Monitoring • Exercise • Stress Management • Adult support group • Cooking classes

To learn more about the Horace C. Polk Jr. Diabetes Center, please call (936) 639-7585 or (800) 553-7776.

Diabetes...Live with it.

Visit us online at memorialhealth.org

November is NatioNal Diabetes moNth


TJM: What is the most important thing parents can do with their child at home to enhance his/her educational experience?JM: There are so many important things parents can do to enhance their child’s educational experience. Your child is a gift and you are responsible for making sure they have everything they need to be successful. Three very important things- 1st, don’t over schedule your child. I limit my personal children to one extracurricular activity at a time. I have had numerous students physically drained at school because of all the extra activities they are involved in after school. Kids need to be kids! Limit their TV and computer time. The main thing is to have fun with your little one. They don’t stay little long! 2nd, start a routine at night during the school year. Kiddos need routines! Give them time to play, get a little fresh air and burn some energy off then have a place set up for them to get their homework done. ALWAYS check their Go Home Folders for notes and homework. Make sure they get plenty of rest! Kids in primary and elementary need to be in bed somewhere between 8:00 and 9:00 each night, depending on their age. 3rd, have lots of dialogue with your child (a large vocabulary is very important!). Read, read, and read to and with your child EACH night. Play board games (this builds lots of math concepts)!

TJM: Share with us a fun fall educational activity we can do with our kids at home?JM: A couple of fun fall educational activities I have up my sleeve are: take your family to one of our local Fried Chicken restaurants and save a chicken leg bone or two. When you get home, make sure all of the meat is cleaned off and put the bone in a jar full of vinegar. After several days, take the bone out, and you’ll have a bendable bone! Pretty cool! Ask lots of questions about how they think the bone became bendable. Oh--I almost forgot one of my favorite little fun things! If you pack a lunch for your little loved one, pack them an orange, but first take a Sharpie and draw a jack-o-lantern face on it. Voila--a miniature pumpkin!

Do you have a teacher that should be recognized as Teacher of the Month? Send us an email and tell us about her! [email protected]

educatIon continued

tjmag.com / 47

Your BoDYPhoto by lisa crow


Switch to Sugar-Free SodasAccording to the American Dietetic Association, eliminating soda alone could help you lose 11 pounds per year, and the less you drink, the less you will crave it. Consider soda a splurge, like a dessert, and choose the low-calorie options. Coca Cola recently released Diet Coke with Splenda, which is considered a better option than aspartame to many weight watchers, as well as Coke Zero, which tastes a lot like Coca Cola, but without the sugar.

Eat a Salad FirstIn a 2004 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Dr. Rolls reports that women on average ate 7 percent less pasta if they first had one and one half cups of salad with reduced fat or non-fat dressing. If only her name wasn’t Dr. Rolls!

Drink WaterFew people get enough water and certain medications can make you even more dehydrated. If you want to burn more calories, drink it chilled. One gallon of ice water will help you burn 200 calories more than if it was room temperature. You burn about 1 calorie per ounce of chilled water that you drink. Always have bottles of water with you, especially in the car on hot days. You’ll be less likely to run through a drive through and get a soda.

Get a PedometerIt’s actually a fun way to watch the calories you burn. 1000 steps equals 50 calories burned, so wear it on your errands and it just may motivate you to add a few extra steps to your daily routine. For under $20 you can get one that has an automatic voice tell you how many calories you’ve burned and informs you when you’ve met your exercise goals.

Get More SleepAccording to many studies, just one week of sleep deprivation reduces the production of the growth hormone that helps control the body’s proportion of muscle to fat. When the body produces less of this hormone, there is a tendency for the body to store fat.

Buy Controlled Servings of FoodOkay, so if you have to snack, spend the extra few cents on the new 100-calories packs of cookies or crackers, the small cans of cola that are just 100 calories, or the mini-bags of popcorn. The calories are easy to keep track of and you won’t be tempted to overeat. Just don’t open that second bag!

19 ways to burn calories in 15 minutes!

Watching TV=16 caloriesPassenger in car=16 calories(50+ if your teen is driving)Kneeling in prayer=16 caloriesTaking a bath=24 caloriesTalking on phone=24 caloriesFamily picnic (without arguing)=24 caloriesComputer work=24 caloriesPumping gas=32 caloriesMaking Beds=32 caloriesGrocery shopping=37 caloriesDusting=40 caloriesClearing dishes from table=40 caloriesStretching=40 caloriesPicking flowers=48 caloriesWalking 3 mph=52 caloriesVacuuming=56 caloriesCarrying infant=56 caloriesHula dancing=71 caloriesJogging in water=127 calories

* Based on a female, age 45, 5’4”, 140 lbs.

Lisa’s adoption books make the perfect personalized gift for an adopting family. See http://www.scrapbookmyadoption.com for albums, transparency overlays, digital files or embellishments to make it simple to have a beautiful lifebook your friend will treasure.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

/ Yo u r B o DY

fItness 1016 WAYS ANYONE CAN LOSE A FEW POuNDS | BY LISA COPEN

tjmag.com / 49

/ Yo u r B o DY

FashionFashion not only changes from year to year, but every few months with the seasons. One minute, it is spring and yellow is the must have color in your wardrobe. Then, all of a sudden, it is winter and purple is the must have color! If you are not a fashionista covergirl, here are eight ways to incorporate the new winter looks into your wardrobe.

1. Cuffs and Bangles. Accessorizing is key to any outfit. This year, cuffs and bangles are a great way to add a simple trend to your outfit. They add a little more flare to a simple outfit.

2. Belts. Accentuating the waist is still a popular trend, regardless of the season. Winterize the belt by the color or texture.

3. Boots. Ankle boots and knee high boots are in season. They are very versatile to go casual with jeans or dress up with a cute and fun dress.

4. Coats. With winter comes coats. Find a fashion piece that you can add to your wardrobe. Choosing a fun pattern or a winter white will definitely stand out.

5. Grey and Purple. The colors for the season are grey and purple! You don’t have to go all out and get wardrobe pieces in both colors. Find easy ways to add the color of your choice into your wardrobe with scarves, jewelry, a shirt, or sweater.

6. Bomber Jacket. Something fun and little edgy for most is the bomber jacket. This is a great way to add a little pizzazz to all the casual days matched up with jeans.

7. Skinny Jeans. You have seen them around now for a while and they are still here. This is a simple yet trendy way to try out the fashion trends. Who doesn’t like a pair of jeans? Go out and try them on--who knows? You just might fall in love with them!

8. Leggings and Tunics. For many, the thought of wearing leggings is very frightening. The good news is there is a style just for you. Open any retail shopping catalog and there are many different outfits and looks and tailored to different age groups. The look is great for a casual, comfy look or paired with heels or boots for a night out.

winter trends


/ Yo u r B o DY

beautycommon foods that helP Prevent wrinKles | by amy austen

You are what you eat, right? This is probably one of the oldest phrases in the English language, but it still remains true. What you eat will not only end up on your hips, but it will make an

appearance on your face as well! It turns out there are quite a few foods that help prevent wrinkles, and they are not as distasteful or boring as you may think.

It is true that most of the foods that are really good for the human body are anything but appetizing. Yet, when it comes to foods that prevent wrinkles and keep the skin youthful and radiant, the common foods on this list are quite delicious. Even better, they are easily found in your local supermarket and you probably already eat some of them from time to time.

Antioxidants You have probably heard a lot about the benefits of getting antioxidants into the body for weight loss and overall health benefits, but this is one of the best things you can do for your skin as well. Most of the foods that help prevent wrinkles happen to be very rich in antioxidants of some sort, which will help nourish and replenish the skin so it fights off the signs of aging such as wrinkles, lines, sagging, and sun spots.

Some of the most common foods that prevent wrinkles by pumping your body full of antioxidants include: * Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale * Dark orange colored vegetables such as carrots, orange peppers, and squash * Dark, rich colored berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and dark purple grapes * Tomatoes

These foods that help prevent wrinkles get their power from their rich colors and tend to be more powerful when eaten raw. The only exception is tomatoes, which tend to have more antioxidants after cooking.

Healthy Fats It doesn’t seem like fat would be anywhere near a list of healthy foods that help prevent wrinkles, but every organ in the body relies upon fat sources to function properly. That includes the skin!

The trick is to eat healthy fats which do not clog your arteries and leave a greasy fill over your pores. Some of the healthy foods that prevent wrinkles by providing essential fats include:

* Salmon * Almonds * Olive Oil

Salmon in particular is one of the most beneficial foods that help prevent wrinkles because it also combats a variety of other problems within the body.

The best tip you can ever receive for keeping your skin tight, youthful, and blemish free is to take care of your body as a whole. Get in shape and eat for nourishment, not satisfaction, and you will not only have clear skin, but you will feel your best as well.

Visit http://www.soft-clear-skin.com/ and discover effective foods that help prevent wrinkles and diminish fine lines, dry skin, and other signs of aging.

About The Author Amy is a passionate advocate for effective skin care products. Visit her site at http://www.soft-clear-skin.com to find out more about skin care solutions that work.

tjmag.com / 51

Women’s health5 NATuRAL COMMON COLD BEATERS | BY jACOB MABILLE

The aptly named common cold hits nearly every one of us on a regular basis and once a single family member has it, it can spread quickly and viciously. While the cold itself is relatively harmless, it still presents almost crippling symptoms. The common misconception is that you can fight a cold, essentially getting on with your life and trying to ignore the problem. This is much more likely to prolong the agony as opposed to beating it. In preference to turning to the pharmacist, there are natural ways to reduce the recovery time and relieve the nagging symptoms of a cold.

RestThe misconception that exercise will help to sweat out a cold is misleading. The body needs to be able to fight the cold infection and by exercising or being excessively active, you are reducing its capability to do this. Resting allows the body to fully combat the cold virus. The immune system and various immune functions within the body are strengthened or generated during sleep. It is these that will help your body beat the cold.

WaterWhen suffering from a cold, the body is susceptible to becoming dehydrated. In order

to prevent this, it is absolutely essential that sufferers drink plenty of water. The r e c o m m e n d e d eight glasses of water a day is the absolute minimum that you should be aiming to drink when

suffering from a cold. For this reason, water can help to further strengthen the immune system and subsequently beat the infection.

Vitamin CIt may sound like something your mom or your grandmother would try to convince you of, but it is widely believed to be true. However, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and possible even kidney stones. Many

proponents of vitamin C as a cold remedy would argue that 1,000mg every hour is not damaging and will help to reduce the time a person suffers from a cold. However, it has been medically proven that 250mg has the same positive effects as any larger dose with fewer and less severe side effects. The best way to obtain this level of vitamin C is through fruit juices because this also provides a good source of extra fluid.

GarlicGarlic is another age old herbal remedy for colds. It helps to strengthen the immune system and is also a good antiviral. Putting garlic in meals will help to prevent colds and can also reduce the suffering time of patients. The best way to consume the garlic is freshly ground and raw. Many people would find this a struggle, especially because a lot of people eat as many as three or four cloves as soon as they show symptoms of a cold.

Elderberry ExtractsElderberries may look harmless, but to the cold virus they are far from it. It is a powerful antiviral as well as being a highly effective disease fighter. As an antiviral, it can help to stave off the actual infection causing the cold, and its disease fighting properties strengthen and rejuvenate the immune system. Elderberry and blueberries are among the best varieties of fruit a cold sufferer can eat for these very reasons.

The Immune Systems RoleYou have probably noticed that almost all of these remedies are strongly based around strengthening the immune system. This is because there is essentially no cure for the common cold and we are forced to rely on our bodies to fend off the infection. In order to do this, the immune system needs to be as strong as possible and the stronger it is, the less suffering will be required.

Jacob Mabille writes for Health Guides & Articles where you can find more health tips and related articles.


tjmag.com / 53


tjmag.com / 55409 E. Main St. Nacogdoches, Texas 936-560-1488


Parting Advice:

The nicest thing someone can do for me to show gratitude is as old fashioned as it gets: a handwritten note! I love personal mail and when it’s an unexpected note of appreciation, it’s especially sweet. My good friend Joy Fredrick literally counts her blessings with a twist from the legend of the pilgrims’ early Thanksgiving. Wrap up five kernels of corn for each member present at your Thanksgiving feast and ask them to say five things they are thankful for this year. It might be a little “corny,” but it’s a fun way to get your friends and family talking!

Susan ChildersLufkin

1) The most memorable thank you gift I have received was a lovely little book filled with inspirations named Be Happy, my sweet friend had written a heartfelt inscription which I cherish.

2) My favorite thing to give is a gratitude journal, with the first entry being from me expressing my sincere thanks. The gratitude journal is a place to record things you are grateful for that happen each day. On a really bad day it may be simply “breathing”, but as you go on, you will realize you are picking up on sweet unnoticed things that happen everyday. It isn’t hard and won’t take long, but can change your whole outlook on life.

3) If all else fails, there is nothing like a sincere note on quality stationery. In today’s fast-paced world with e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter, the hand-written note is an endangered species. And who doesn’t LOVE receiving a letter in the mail. So get out that fun stationery and take a few minutes to make someone’s day.

Rebecca WelchNacogdoches

I love to give magazine subscriptions (specific to their interest) or something homemade. I usually bake my famous Buttermilk Pies as thank yous to folks - especially at this time of year! It’s not unusual for my double ovens to hold 4 pies at once, and I’ve turned out as many as 20 in one day!!! When I wasn’t working and had more time, I would crochet an afghan in the colors specific to someone’s home décor! Just taking a little time to acknowledge someone is what’s important, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money! I’m a firm believer in hand writing a thank you note--not just sending an email (although this is the age of instant gratification). If I had to think back to a memorable “thank you” that I received, it would be something that was totally unexpected-- something that I would not do or buy for myself on a regular basis--some kind of indulgence like a massage or flowers! The “surprise” is the key! I LOVE thank yous! We all need to do it more often!!

Kathy McGoughNacogdoches

1. What was a memorable thank you gift or gesture you received?2. What is your favorite thing to give or do as a thank you.3. What is the best way individuals can show their gratitude?

Documents

The Journey Magazine Nov 09