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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).

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.

The Fort Stockton Economic Development Corporation started the restoration process of the Historic Rail Freight Depot this past week. This new development comes in the wake of several meetings this week within the Pecos County Commissioners Court, the Fort Stockton City Council, and the Fort Stockton Independent School Board.

Pecos County Memorial Hospital District continues to work to make healing and rehabilitation for its patients as accessible as possible. One aspect of this endeavor is its “swingbed” program.

Years ago, my wife and I used to raise horses. One of the things I enjoyed the most was halter breaking, teaching the young colts to lead. Each one was different, and you never knew how they were going to turn out. We spent a lot of time with them and every now and then we would get an exceptional one. They would follow you wherever you would go without a lead rope or halter and were very gentle or docile and easy to train. It was fun to work with them and you could teach them many things. Those colts following us reminded me of something the Bible talks about, and it is very important in the Christian life. It is letting God lead your life and our willingness to follow, (John 10:3&4). Psalms 23 talks about the Lord God being our Shepherd or leader, (2 Corinthians 2:14). If we have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, we are not a part of his remuda or flock or family and we will not know His voice or be willing to follow, (John 10:26-30). A few of the colts we had were hard to work with and we could not do much with them and we did not enjoy them as much as the ones that were totally yielded to us. Are we in God’s hands and are we a joy to work with?

One week in January 1976, the old Pecos Theater in downtown Fort Stockton was scheduled to show the newly released film “The Towering Inferno,” starring Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. Instead of just a viewing, the theater became a towering inferno itself, burning to the ground.

The ambassadors for the Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce met last week for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 11. Most recently, the chamber, along with the sponsorship from Big Bend Telephone, kicked off the free live music concert series at Zero Stone Park.