Columns & Editorials

Time to Redefine Success

Time to Redefine Success

The return to instruction has not been easy and teachers and school faculty have done a commendable job creating virtual and face-to-face learning environments for students. The goal is to ensure instruction moves forward as students prepare for state testing in the Spring. Passing the test is usually the primary indicator of success in public schools. However, given the current circumstances, perhaps success needs to be redefined.

A Guide to Backyard Chickens
A Guide to Backyard Chickens
A Guide to Backyard Chickens

A Guide to Backyard Chickens

While many people are content with a pet dog or cat, others may seek less traditional animal friends. For those looking for more exotic pets, chickens can offer not only companionship, but also benefits such as egg production, soil fertilization, and educational opportunities to help forge the connection between farm and table.

Laymen’s Corner

GOD is in control of America, He is also in control of every other country in the world. That has been true since the world was created. GOD’S plan was made before anything was created. That plan is still in motion and will be carried out exactly like it was planned. Adam was made the steward of the earth and that responsibility is passed on to us. Adam was created to have fellowship with GOD and was told to subdue the earth and all beings in it. He was told to “till” the Garden of Eden. That means his body was created to work and not lay around with his mouth open for GOD to feed him.

The Alchemist
The Alchemist

The Alchemist

I try and stay away from labels at all cost. I understand. Our tiny, human brain capacity, or mine, at least, forces us to compartmentalize and dissect and store information based on categories of perceived commonalities. Music artists lament about this incessantly. Taylor Swift doesn’t want to be country, nor does she want her music filed away in the pop section. All artists have faced this dilemma. If I’m a brilliant sculptor (I am not, FYI), but I manage to publish some gorgeous poetry, the world won’t know quite what to do with me. See, I can’t be both. I must be one thing or the other thing, but never lots o’things. I say this so you won’t flinch when I tell you that one of my best online friends I never met, someone who passed in a tragic traffic accident last year, was a proclaimed witch per her own voice on her own YouTube channel. She was also a brilliant herbalist, and incredible motivational speaker, and an expert on both Northern Pacific and Gulf Coastal woodland species identification. She was my go-to for “what is this large weed in my backyard” and how to make a killer peppermint tincture. We never met, Delores and I. Still, I’m glad I kept an open mind. I’m glad I made the tincture and read the books she recommended. Let people give you their gifts. Take what you need. Let the rest go. That brings me to this week’s story. Gather your supplies first. You’ll need: your open mind, your lack of judgement, and coffee. Coffee never hurts.

Three Rights Make a Left

Today, (Monday) I was at 7 11 on FM 548 filling up cans with diesel for my tractor when I noticed a beautiful sight. To the north across the field and above the trees along Mustang Creek, I saw a beautiful sight. It was the steeple of the First Baptist Church of Forney. It occurred to me that the sight of that lone steeple silhouetted against a blue sky on a cool Autumn morning serves as a metaphor for what is good about Forney. Of course, from another vantage point you might see one of the many Churches in Forney and they are an important part of the Forney Skyline.

City of Mesquite Seeking Art

City of Mesquite Seeking Art Submissions For Downtown Mesquite

The City of Mesquite is excited to announce a call for art submissions for their new Front Street Station project in Downtown Mesquite. Artists have until Oct. 24 to submit their artwork for consideration for the public art opportunity. The artists whose work is selected will each receive honoraria of $500. Learn more at www.cityofmesquite.com/ CallforArtists.

Mesquite Announces New Smith’s of Mesquite Restaurant to Open in Downtown Mesquite
Mesquite Announces New Smith’s of Mesquite Restaurant to Open in Downtown Mesquite
Mesquite Announces New Smith’s of Mesquite Restaurant to Open in Downtown Mesquite
Mesquite Announces New Smith’s of Mesquite Restaurant to Open in Downtown Mesquite

Mesquite Announces New Smith’s of Mesquite Restaurant to Open in Downtown Mesquite

The Mesquite City Council has approved an agreement for Smith’s of Mesquite to open a 6,000 square-foot full-service restaurant and entertainment venue in the historic McWhorter Greenhaw building in Downtown Mesquite. Plans include a renovation of the iconic midcentury modern facade and neon, along with extensive interior updates.

FHS Varsity Golf Debut

FHS Varsity Golf Debut

The boys/girls varsity teams played at Waterview Golf Club in Rowlett on Tuesday September 22nd. This was the Varsity group’s debut event of the fall, and the cool rainy conditions didn’t stop them from competing.

The Lost Art of Board Games

The Lost Art of Board Games

I can’t tell you how many of my “young” friends will hear someone in my family talk about a favorite board game only to say, “I’ve never heard of that!” The first few times this happened, I thought they were joking or that they must have grown up somewhere other than here. But what I’ve come to find out is that many families don’t play board games together often, or ever.

HUNTING STANDS I HAVE KNOWN

My friend Jeff Rice recently set up this lightweight but strong Snap Lock Hunting Blind on his property. This blind is a far cry from some of the earlier stands Luke hunted from in his younger days. Photo courtesy Jeff Rice

HUNTING STANDS I HAVE KNOWN

I was recently recording “Campfire Talk”, the weekly radio segment that Larry Weishuhn aka ”Mr. Whitetail” and I have produced for the past 11 years. The topic of hunting blinds, aka ‘deer stands’ came up and we reflected upon just how much ‘deer stands’ have changed since the sixties when we both began hunting deer.

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Forney Messenger

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 936, Forney, TX 75126
Physical Address: 201 W. Broad St., Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 972-564-3121
Fax: 972-552-3599