June 2024

The Alpine Cowboys, the Pecos League’s powerhouse, are continuing their record-breaking run, now holding a 22-1 record after a series of impressive victories this past week. The Cowboys’ dominance was on full display in their recent home stand against the Roswell Invaders, showcasing a combination of stellar pitching, explosive offense, and airtight defense.

Bradye Barragan, an upcoming sophomore from Fort Stockton High School, recently competed in the 2024 Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Nationals, held at the prestigious PGA National Resort and Spa in Florida. While the challenging Champion course proved a formidable opponent, Bradye’s participation in this national-level tournament marks a significant achievement for the young athlete.

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I must remember this: Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Lately I have been very curt with people, especially with those who irritate me. And I catch myself doing so and try to keep my mouth shut. But anger just stirs inside me, and I may not say anything, but my face expressions say it all. Thus, grieving the Holy Spirit. Then I think ‘Who do I think I am’? and I ask God for forgiveness. I am sure God has probably rolled His eyes, a time or two, at me. And still has compassion for me. So why should I not do the same?

I remember when her parents came to visit and brought my only granddaughter, who was about three at that time. We had fun and good times together. She would always ask me about all the animals, like the cat, the dog, and other pets. We would walk around the yard and look at the little pond in the back and my wife’s pretty flowers. Oh yes, we would have to go up to the chicken house and look at all the chickens. If there were any baby chickens, she would get all excited when she saw them. I loved to hear her voice as we talked about different things. Sometimes, she would ask if we could have some popcorn or ice cream. My relationship with my granddaughter and the love I have for her reminds me of the love God has for us and the enjoyable times He wants to have with us. God loves us very much (Psalm 86:15 and Psalm 100). He also wants to have close fellowship with us (1 John 1:3&4). God also proved His love for us in that he sent His only son (Jesus Christ) to die in our place (1 John 4:9&10, Romans 5:8). Just as my granddaughter was born into our family when we accept Jesus Christ, we are born into God’s family (born again, John 3:3), and we shall never be separated from His love (Romans 8:3739).

A couple of days ago, I retrieved one (of about a hundred) of our family doglets’ chew bones from the seemingly unreachable chasm under my youngest and quietest daughter’s bed using an ingenious invention of my own making – namely a straightened-out wire clothes hanger. This same apparatus also comes in handy for retrieving various undergarments (along with a metric ton of lint) that somehow fall behind – and then underneath – our washer and dryer.

The chief of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas told state lawmakers recently that the state’s power demand could nearly double in just six years. The reasons: population growth, new requests for grid connections, and a rise in requests from data centers and other heavy users.

It is interesting how history takes one to unexpected places and unexpected stories. I began writing about Forrestine Cooper because hers is the only childhood memoir I have found that includes life at Fort Davis. But the story goes deeper and, in some ways tragic - a story of unrequited love.

Tomorrow, the Pecos County Senior Center, a place to gather and support one another, will open its doors to guests to participate and enjoy its annual 4th of July potluck. They look forward to sharing the special day with the community.