Opinion

The country is divided, in massive debt, and our future isn’t looking so good - but thankfully, I have more immediate worries to consume my energies. Girl Scout cookies are back.

As some people age, they begin to lose a certain degree of excitement about simple life experiences like snow days, finding a penny in a parking lot or putting on a pair of fresh underwear still warm from the dryer. Not me! I revel in these moments, probably because I still feel like a kid a heart - at least until my hair stylist breaks out her lawn equipment to trim my eyebrows.

10. Create in me a clean heart, 0 God; and renew a right spirit within me.

We all know Texas is the best - but our numbers prove it. Texas is one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. and, if the state were treated as a country, it would have the 10th largest economy in the world. These trends are not accidents. They are results of decades of good policy that attracts both people and businesses, good policies like the Texas Economic Development Act.

Every five years, groundwater regulators in Texas set policy and philosophy for managing the aquifers in their jurisdictions, and that is happening now in Pecos County. The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District is setting policy and philosophy for the Edwards-Trinity Aquifer, though the process is overlooking a major risk to its sustainability.

According to data from the Texas Oil & Gas Association, the Texas oil and natural gas industry paid $13.9 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties in fiscal year 2020. Pecos County received $15.9 million, and Fort Stockton ISD received $12.6 million.

Mark 1;14 (14) Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, (15) and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (16) As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. (17) And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” (18) And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (19) As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. (20) Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

By the time this devotional “hits the stands” we will have a new president and vice president. Some will be incredibly happy about that while others will deny the legitimacy of the recent election.

The New Year is upon us and so is National Soup Month. It is hard to believe.