What Is The Difference Between Being Baptized In Water And Being Baptized In The Holy Spirit?
“The water does not do anything except get you wet,” says Matt, 8. “When you get baptized in the Holy Spirit, you get cleansed by God, and he will come into our hearts. Getting baptized means you’re telling the whole world that God has come into your heart.”
On the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Bible scholar JC Ryle wrote: “It consists of the implanting of grace into the inward man. It is the same thing with the new birth. It is a baptism, not of the body, but of the heart. It is well to be baptized into the visible Church; but it is far better to be baptized into that Church which is made up of true believers.”
“The difference is when you get baptized in water, it is a symbol of being purified by God,” says Caleb, 8. “When you get baptized by the Holy Spirit, God has brought you into his kingdom.”
As one who received baptism by immersion as a professing Christian who was trying to work his way to heaven, I can affirm that being baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ is far better. At my first water baptism, I mistakenly thought that salvation was Christ plus my dedication. I thought that salvation was a joint venture. Christ would do part, and I would do part.
As I stood in the church, wet from water baptism but confused from the mixed message, a girl sensed my bewilderment. She invited me to another meeting where a pastor showed me from the Bible that salvation is a free gift that can only be received by faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit came upon a few believers for special tasks. The prophet Joel foresaw a time when God would pour out his Spirit on all believers (Joel 2:28-29). Jesus predicted that his disciples would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5).
When the disciples received the Spirit’s baptism, they began to praise God in foreign languages they had not learned. Jews from foreign countries who had gathered at Jerusalem for the Pentecost feast understood the disciples in their own languages.
In his sermon, the Apostle Peter said this was the fulfillment of what the prophet Joel predicted. The time had come when God would pour out his Holy Spirit upon all believers. About 3,000 Jews trusted Christ as their savior that day and were baptized in water (Acts 2).
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an historic event that ushered in a new age. It occurred for the Jews on the day of Pentecost, but came later for Gentiles (non-Jews). The Apostle Peter took the gospel to the house of a Gentile named Cornelius. Like the Jews at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in foreign languages and were baptized in water (Acts 10-11:18).
Think about this: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an experience to be sought, but a truth to be believed. Even though every Christian has been baptized by the Holy Spirit into union with Christ, not all are enjoying the fellowship with Christ that comes from being filled with the Spirit.
Memorize this truth: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
Ask this question: Have you been filled or controlled by God’s Spirit today?
Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.
My favorite tree is the pecan tree. It brings back great family memories, I like its form, and I’m a big fan of eating it.
It is also a tree that causes me the most frustration in local landscapes. I hear it from others frequently, “I’ve planted this pecan tree years ago and I still haven’t gotten the first crop!”
Pecans are a wonderful native tree whose nuts are highly prized in all kinds of dishes or by themselves. Each year I look to purchase a few pounds of pecans that are locally grown. I east them like candy and look forward to them in holiday dishes.
Pecans were named the state tree of Texas over 100 years ago in 1919. Commercial pecan production existed in Texas in the late 1800’s. San Antonio, Texas was the hub of the nation’s pecan processing during the first half of the 20th century. Years later during the 1950’s, several more shelling plants sprang up across the state. The closest to us was Tyler.
But about the pecans in Angelina County, we have a couple difficult obstacles to overcome. This year, and more often than not, a lack of water late in the growing season will cause the pecans to fail to fully develop and drop prematurely. Pecans use a goodly amount of water as the pecan kernel finishes developing. If rainfall or irrigation are lacking in the final stages of growth, then you’ll see a significant crop loss.
Next are limitations with our soil. Much of the land that lays between the Neches River to our west and the Angelina River (now Lake Sam Rayburn) to our east is not a deep, well drained soil.
It’s true that you’ll find some well drained sites, but much of our county has a decent sandy loam topsoil that covers a grey clay in the southern end and red clay to the northern end of the county. However, pecans love well drained soil. And having a shallow topsoil over a clay simply is not a well-drained site most of the time.
Besides finding the right soil for pecans to thrive, we have a common disease called scab. Scab is a fungal disease spread by spores. Spores can be spread by wind or rain and cause new infections throughout an orchard. Scab is capable of several infection cycles throughout the growing season, which can contribute to greater disease severity.
The fungus needs wet conditions to initiate an infection on leaves or shucks, and young developing leaves are especially susceptible. If we have a wet spring (and we do most every year), we can anticipate problems with scab.
Scab will eventually infect the kernel and can greatly reduce the number of pecans that are edible in the fall.
While scab is here to stay, there are some things we can do to manage it. First plant pecan varieties that are resistant. No tree is bullet proof but try varieties such as Caddo, Oconee, Prilop, Elliot, Forkert and Kanza. Others have been planted and have worked but those I just listed show the most scab resistance in a number of trials.
Thinning and pruning pecans trees to allow for better air circulation will allow leaves and kernels to dry out faster to reduce fungal problems. Planting trees on windy sites is also much better than plating in a low-lying area that clings to moisture longer.
There is not really a good spray for homeowners to combat scab. Commercial growers do use some products, but they must be applied with an air blast sprayer into the canopy.
All in all, I think it’s worth a try on well-drained ground. It’s our wonderful, deciduous state tree. And perhaps you’ll get some pecans from time to time. If you want more information about the care for pecans, please give me or any other county agent a holler. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has worlds more information on what it takes to produce pecans.
The Crockett Area Chamber will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their new location in Corrigan! The Chamber staff will be in attendance and refreshments provided.
Quality Tire & Brakes + Wheels 400 N. Home St. Corrigan TX, 75939 Monday, October 6, 10 a.m.
The AI Shift is coming! Are you ready? Join Lufkin Association of REALTORS on October 9 for a high-energy session with innovation strategist Alex Goryachev on how to adapt, compete & thrive in the AI era.
Practical ways to use AI in business Tools to work smarter Ideas to future-proof your career & team Oct. 9 | 10am–12pm | Lunch included
Join the Family Crisis Center of East Texas on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, for an afternoon of hope, healing, and powerful purpose to support survivors of domestic violence across East Texas.
This year’s keynote speakers are Nichole & Jim Schmidt, who turned the tragic loss of their daughter, Gabby Petito, into a mission, advocating for missing persons and survivors of domestic violence through the Gabby Petito Foundation.
Tickets are $50 for individuals and $500 for reserved tables (seats 8, with the option to add 2).
Pumpkin patch in Bryan, Texas, on Sept. 30, 2021, in San Antonio. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
Texas Crop and Weather Report
Texas pumpkin producers are experiencing a strong harvest thanks to consistent rainfall and a dry July. While quantity is on par with last season’s harvest, producers say overall pumpkin quality is better compared to last year, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Mark Carroll, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Floyd County, said consumers can expect a significant improvement when purchasing their Texas-grown pumpkins this year.
Floyd County, east of Lubbock in the Texas High Plains, is where the bulk of Texas pumpkins are grown.
“Overall, producers in Floyd County saw early, consistent rainfall early in the growing season, which is needed for pumpkin producers,” Carroll said. “This was followed by a dry period during the second week of July, providing the ideal dry climate for pumpkin growers.”
Pumpkin prices are expected to remain consistent, with some variability as Halloween approaches. For the best prices, consumers are encouraged to purchase their pumpkins early.
Carroll said consumers can prolong the life of fresh, Texas pumpkins by keeping the bottom dry to prevent wet rot and decay. He also recommends carving your jack-o-lanterns no earlier than Oct. 20 to prolong the quality of a pumpkin for Halloween decor.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, Economic Research Service reported Texas as the national leader in pumpkin revenue. While states like Illinois. Indiana and Michigan lead in production quantity; most of their product is used for pie filling and processed foods, receiving a lower price per pound than Texas’ ornamental jack-o-lantern-style pumpkin.
Favorable conditions for Texas pumpkin growers
Juan Anciso, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horticulture program leader and associate head of the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, said that Floyd County poses an ideal location for Texas pumpkin production.
“Pumpkin production can be tricky,” Anciso said. “Fresh market pumpkins grown for Halloween have to be planted between two of the hottest months in Texas, June and July.”
Anciso said cooler nights in the Panhandle help to provide the temperatures required to produce a heat-sensitive crop like pumpkins.
Pumpkins thrive in mild, frost-free climates with plenty of water. Unlike midwestern states, Texas producers battle warmer temperatures and windier conditions that slow the growing rate for pumpkins and affect fruit set. Producers in Floyd County utilize drip irrigation to ensure their pumpkin crops remain cool and receive adequate and timely water.
Anciso acknowledged a history of success for pumpkin production within the state. Data shows Texas led the nation in 2020 for pumpkin crop value at $25.9 million, according to USDA While dry weather reduces yields, it helps to produce a higher quality pumpkin, contributing to the increase in pumpkin prices compared to other states.
Both Carroll and Anciso encouraged consumers to purchase pumpkins from bins containing a Texas pumpkin logo to ensure support of Texas producers.
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:
A map of the 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service districts.
Panhandle
Overall, soil moisture was reported as short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions were reported fair to good. Crops were reported fair to good. More rain was needed to maintain soil moisture profiles going into late fall and winter. The district saw cooler, dry conditions. Silage harvest continued. Corn harvest progressed. Cotton acres were limited in some areas due to early season hail-out. Wheat planting continued. Fall armyworm activity was reported as high.
South Plains
Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were low in the district due to lack of recent moisture. Pastures were in good condition. Producers started to dig peanuts and prepare for the remainder of the harvest season. Grain sorghum and corn harvests continued. Bolls began to open in the cotton fields for the past couple of weeks, and in some areas, producers were starting to defoliate. Cattle were in good condition.
North
Weather was suitable for fieldwork with areas receiving some rain. A cool front provided lower temperatures. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good, with subsoil and topsoil being adequate and short. Some pond levels dropped. Most corn was mature, and cotton bolls were opening. Peanuts were in fair to good condition, with a small percentage in the mature stage. Soybeans were in fair to good condition, and many fields showed dropped leaves. Winter wheat and oats were planted, and some winter wheat was emerging. The harvesting of corn, hay, cotton, peanuts, sorghum, soybeans and sunflowers continued. Livestock were mainly in fair to good condition. Fall armyworms were spotted in pastures and hay fields. Mosquitoes and biting gnats increased in number.
East
Subsoil and topsoil conditions remained adequate. In some parts of the district, rainfall improved soil moisture and gave producers confidence to move forward with winter pasture planting. However, most of the district needed rain. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Hay production started to wind down. Livestock were in fair to good condition, and producers were providing protein and energy supplements. Cattle markets remained strong. Wild pig activity increased in some areas.
Far West
Temperatures held steady, with a slight dip toward more seasonal temperatures at week’s end. Rain ranging from trace amounts up to 2 inches fell across much of the district. Responding green-up helped livestock pastures going into fall. The rain was too late for the cotton crop but was good for the wheat crop. Most cotton bolls were open, and harvest was expected to start soon. Pima and upland cotton fields in western parts of the district were in the final stage of development, and most farmers irrigated for the last time of the season. Pest pressure was minimal, with some whitefly seen, but nothing alarming to date. The pecan crop looked good overall, with pecans filling well, as weather and low pest pressures cooperated thus far. Alfalfa growers experienced decent production, and, weather permitting, fields in western parts of the district were expected to see two more cuts this season.
West Central
The district received scattered showers and storms during a midweek cold front and low-pressure system. The rainfall improved soil moisture and created optimal conditions for planting small grains, though additional rain is needed to maintain progress toward crop germination. Cotton remained in poor to fair condition, though slight improvements were noted. Sorghum harvest continued. Some pecan orchards experienced a 50%-75% crop loss due to flooding, though pecan prices remained good. Weed germination was spurred by rainfall, increasing pressure in pastures. Rangeland conditions slightly improved, but wildfire risk remained high due to standing forage. Some grass fires were reported. Cattle conditions were good overall, with supplemental feeding still ongoing in dry areas. Stocker and feeder markets remained steady, with some higher prices in feeder steers.
Central
Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to 3.5 inches, with no more in the 10-day forecast. Milder temperatures followed the rain. Rangeland and pasture conditions remained good. Some winter forage for grazing started to emerge. Producers were baling the last cutting of hay. Farm stock ponds and creek flows dropped but were still adequate. Cotton harvest continued. Some wheat planting started, and early planted wheat was starting to emerge. Oat planting continued, but some producers were waiting for bigger rains. Livestock were in fair to good condition with supplemental feeding occurring.
Southeast
The district experienced particularly hot and dry weather, with areas being monitored for potentially rapid development of drought conditions. Rainfall the past week remained below average, with only 2.5 inches recorded for the month. Corn, sunflower and sorghum harvests finished while cotton harvest ranged from 20% to 90% complete. There were a few isolated reports of armyworms. Cotton harvest began. Dry conditions led to early cattle culling and concerns over hay availability, as late-season yields were down significantly, and future cuttings were unlikely. Hay producers finished operations for the summer and were allowing pastures to return to natural states amid a complete absence of rainfall in the upcoming forecast. Pasture and rangeland ratings were fair to excellent. Livestock conditions ranged from poor to excellent.
Southwest
Temperatures were hotter than normal before a cool front brought slightly cooler conditions and spotty rainfall, though no measurable accumulations were reported. Dry conditions persisted across the area. Cotton harvest was expected to wrap up soon, with good yields reported. Field preparation for winter pastures was underway, and planting of small grains and food plots was progressing. Livestock markets remained steady to strong. Pasture conditions continued to decline, and supplemental feeding of livestock was increasingly evident. Stomach worms affected sheep, but overall, livestock were in good shape. Wildlife benefited from the acorn drop, and turkeys found an abundance of seeds from mature grasses and plentiful grasshoppers. Some very late-hatched turkey poults were observed in recent weeks and remained small for this time of year. Rangeland grasses were at or near maturity as the breeding season began. Bucks shed most of their velvet.
Coastal Bend
Hot, dry conditions persisted with little measurable rain since July, leaving soil moisture very dry and pastures stressed. Scattered showers brought slight improvements, but subsoil moisture remained poor, and drought conditions were critical. All major crops were harvested. Cotton yields were excellent, and ginning continued at full pace. Rangeland and pasture conditions varied from poor to good, forcing many producers to start hay feeding earlier than usual. Livestock remained in good condition, though supplemental feeding was increasing and concerns about hay inventories were growing. Pecan producers were preparing orchards for harvest, and crop potential looked fair to good.
Yet another big week for our soccer teams – both of which currently are ranked nationally – and our Lady Roadrunner softball team opened its Fall Ball season on Sunday.
We also saw two of our Roadrunner baseball players shine at the annual Texas-New Mexico JUCO All-Star game in Dallas.
Finally, both our basketball teams held their respective Media Days, following up the event with an appearance at the Lufkin High School football game, where they participated in the big scholarship presentations. The men’s team also helped with a local food drive as part of their commitment to community service.
All this, and basketball season is right around the corner.
We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
No. 17 Lady Roadrunners Continue Roll with Win over No. 20 Blinn
Another couple of steps up the Top 20 rankings, and another week proving they belonged there.
Now ranked No. 15 in the nation, AC’s Lady Roadrunners proceeded to rout Texas Southmost College Friday at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. Anne Vandaele and Beatriz Almeida each scored a hat trick, accounting for all six goals in AC’s 6-0 win over the Lady Scorpions.
Almeida also accounted for one assist, while Paula Suarez added two assists. Michelle Naderman and Madi Heubel each finished with an assist as well. Goalkeepers Sara Gonzalez and Callie LaChance-Herman kept the Scorpions off the scoreboard, with Gonzalez saving three shots and La’Chance-Herman saving another.
With the win, the Lady Roadrunners (6-1-1) tightened their grip on the top spot in the Region XIV South Zone. AC leads second-place Louisiana State University-Eunice (4-2-2) by two full matches.
The Lady ‘Runners will have some time off this week as the Hill College match originally scheduled for this Tuesday, Sept. 30, has been canceled with no makeup date in the plans.
AC’s ladies next will travel to Eunice, Louisiana to face Louisiana State University-Eunice in a women’s/men’s doubleheader scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m.
No. 18 Roadrunners Take Down Ranger, Texas Southmost
The Roadrunners climbed their way back into the national rankings, hitting No. 18 in this past Monday’s polls.
AC then went out and won both their matches this week.
On Tuesday, the Roadrunners broke open a tight match with two second-half goals. Christian Castaneda converted a pass from Jhosua Jory in the 72nd minute for the match’s first score, and Diego Ramirez followed in the 88th minute with a goal on another feed from Jory.
Keeper Iori Tanaka was spectacular in the net, saving seven Ranger shots on goal.
On Friday, the ‘Runners blanked Texas Southmost College by a 3-0 final. Ramirez scored just four minutes into the match thanks to an assist from Albi Zyla, then Jory found the nets after a Shuto Ishikawa feed in the 22nd minute. Castaneda converted a Jory assist for the final goal in the 64th minute. Tanka again finished with a shutout in goal.
The Roadrunners (6-1-1, 4-1-1) maintained their first-place position in the Region XIV South Zone. AC travels to Beeville to face Coastal Bend Community College at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The ‘Runners then play at Louisiana State University-Eunice at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Ficarra, Standley Shine at TX-NM JUCO All-Star Game
AC Baseball’s Connor Ficarra and Cole Standley showed up and showed out at the annual Texas-New Mexico JUCO Baseball All-Star Classic held last weekend in Dallas.
Ficarra, a sophomore from Katy, went 3-4 with one walk at the plate, then added a pair of stolen bases to his stats. Standley, a sophomore from Woodville, was 1-3 with a walk in his four at-bats.
The Roadrunners will host their first home game of the “Fall Ball” season on Sunday, Oct. 5 at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. The doubleheader is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
Lady ‘Runner Softball Kicks off Fall Season
AC’s Lady ‘Runner softball team kicked off its Fall Ball season on Sunday, facing the Lady Patriots-Babbs in doubleheader. Because the games are considered “exhibition” games, there were no stats or scores recorded; however, AC’s ladies showed they’ve been preparing for some live action, with some big hits throughout the lineup to go along with some solid pitching and defensive plays.
The Lady Roadrunners will travel to Waxahachie on Saturday to face Nelson University in a doubleheader scheduled for a 12 p.m. start.
Lady Roadrunners, Roadrunners Assist at Dinner at the Diamond
This year’s Dinner at the Diamond proved another big success, in large part because of the efforts of Angelina College athletes.
Players from every sport assisted with everything from setup and takedown to manning all the games to delivering auction items to the highest bidders.
Some of the players even showed the crowd how to dance to the “Y.M.C.A” while also handling the “Bah, Bah, Bah” part of “Sweet Caroline” during the seventh-inning stretch.
The event raised funds for all Angelina College students, providing numerous resources to those individuals trying to navigate their way through college.
Basketball Teams Assist with Scholarship Presentations at Local Football Games
The Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner basketball teams are still a few weeks away from the start of their season openers, but that hasn’t stopped the players from making an impact.
This past week, both teams showed up to assist AC recruiters with some big scholarship presentations.
The men’s team also performed community service at the Christian Information Center’s recent food drive.
AC’s Roadrunners open their pre-season schedule this week at the Oklahoma Jamboree in Norman, Oklahoma. On Friday, Oct. 3, the Roadrunners play three one-hour scrimmages: vs. Eastern Oklahoma State at 11 a.m.; vs. Coffeyville Community College at 3 p.m.; and vs. Colby Community College at 5 p.m.
Baseball Adds “Kids Camp” in October
AC’s baseball team will offer a “Kids Camp” on Monday, Oct. 13 at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. Ages 6-10 will hit the field from 9-11 a.m. (with 8:45 check-in), while ages 11-14 will be on the diamond from 12-2 p.m. (with an 11:45 check-in).
For further questions, contact Roadrunner head baseball coach Jon Phillips at jphillips@angelina.edu or assistant coach Cody Crowder at ccrowder@angelina.edu.
All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online
Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning.
We’ll update any changes as we receive them.
We can’t wait to see you at the games.
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)
If there’s one thing East Texans understand, it’s resilience. We’ve seen storms, floods, fires, and economic downturns – yet our communities always find a way to rebuild. The same is true in leadership: challenges will come, but the ability to stand strong when pressure mounts makes all the difference.
Pressure Reveals Character
Difficult seasons don’t just test leaders – they reveal them. When the heat rises, people see what’s really inside us. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Resilient leaders don’t crumble under pressure. They lean on faith and let trials refine their character.
You Can’t Be Resilient Alone
There’s a myth that strong leaders don’t need help. The truth? Leaders who isolate themselves eventually break. Even Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms when the battle grew long (Exodus 17:12).
Here in Texas Forest Country, we know the strength of community. Neighbors show up, churches rally, and friends lend a hand. Leaders must do the same – lean on others, ask for prayer, and build support circles. Resilience grows in community.
God Uses Trials to Shape Leaders
Looking back, some of my hardest seasons became my most important classrooms. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed.”
Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. God wastes nothing. Even the setbacks become stepping stones when placed in His hands.
Three Ways to Build Resilience This Week
Find Your Rhythm. Schedule time for prayer, rest, and family. Don’t run on empty.
Lean on Your Circle. Ask a friend, mentor, or church leader to walk with you.
Look for the Lesson. Instead of asking “Why me?” ask, “What is God teaching me through this?”
That’s a Wrap
Resilient leadership isn’t about pretending life is easy. It’s about standing steady when life is hard – trusting God for strength, leaning on community, and letting challenges make you stronger instead of bitter.
Here in East Texas, we know what it means to be tough, but as leaders, we’re called to more than toughness – we’re called to resilience anchored in faith.
So this week, no matter what storm you’re facing, stand firm. Your family, your workplace, and your community need leaders who won’t quit when it gets hard — leaders who rise stronger through the trial.
Angelina College’s Annette Sandoval addresses the crowd during this past week’s Smith-Hutson Scholarship Banquet held at Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin. A total of 41 first- and second-year students received scholarships toward their pursuit of associate’s degrees and certifications. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)
Scholarship Provides Resources for Qualified Students
A total of 41 Angelina College students received recognition at the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Banquet held this past week at Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin.
Those students included both first-year and second-year recipients.
This group of second-year recipients was recognized at the recent Angelina College Smith-Hutson Scholarship Banquet held at Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin. The scholarship provides valuable resources to students who demonstrate both financial need and academic promise as they pursue an associate’s degree or certifications at AC. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service) This group of first-year recipients was recognized at the recent Angelina College Smith-Hutson Scholarship Banquet held at Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin. The scholarship provides valuable resources to students who demonstrate both financial need and academic promise as they pursue an associate’s degree or certifications at AC. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)
The Smith-Hutson Scholarship was established at AC in 2003 and was created to assist incoming students – as well as those students with at least a year remaining – who “demonstrate both financial need and academic promise as they pursue an associate’s degree or certifications” in their chosen fields of study, according to the AC website.
The scholarship targets assistance with “tuition, books, fees and reasonable living expenses.”
Following is the list of recipients, along with hometowns of record and chosen majors:
Esmerelda Almaguer (Lufkin), Business Administration and Management; Nicole Boyett (Nacogdoches), Applied Science/Radiology; Trista Britt (Center), Applied Science/Radiology; Even Cantu (Lufkin), Music; Mia Carcamo (San Augustine), Pharmacy Tech; Maryjoy Cariaga (Livingston), Nursing; Amy Cordero (Lufkin), Applied Science/Radiology; Martha Cuc (Lufkin), Applied Science/Radiology; Mario De La Cruz (Lufkin), Welding Technology; Fatima DeJesus (Diboll), Education: Yadira Diera (Lufkin), Pharmacy; Landon Elliott (Pineland), Engineering/Aviation; Sariette Flores (Pollok), Emergency Medical Services; Christian Gamboa (Lufkin), General Studies; Jonathan Garcia (Pollok), General Studies; Jolie Garcia (Pollok), Surgical Technology; Taylor Garcia (Pollok), Sports Medicine/Kinesiology; Summer Goins (Wells), Sonography; Julia Gonzalez (Diboll), Psychology; Kristina Guardado (Lufkin), Health Science; Emmerson Jackson (Lufkin), Sonography; Elizabeth Jacobo (Pollok), Nursing; Nickolas Jiminez (Lufkin), Undeclared; Lauren Low (Alto), Agricultural Systems Management; Sidney Moore (Lufkin), Nursing; Hailey Morgan (Reklaw), General Studies/Surgical Technology; Bryan Munoz (Groveton), Applied Science/Welding Technology; Destiny Ordaz (Lufkin), Business Administration and Management; Giselle Perez (Lufkin), Applied Science/Radiology; Kaitlyn Pineda (Nacogdoches), Applied Science/Sonography; Makayla Price (Lufkin), Applied Science/Nursing; Samara Reagan (Pollok), General Studies; Alyssa Redd (Pollok), General Studies; Angel Rios (Diboll), Engineering; Consuelo Rivera (Fredericksburg), Sonography; Angelique Rodriguez (Lufkin), Nursing; Reina Rodriguez (Lufkin), Respiratory Technology; Rylea Terrazas (Diboll), Business Administration and Management; Kelrick Thomas (Hemphill), Applied Science/Welding Technology; Lindsey Tobias (Pollok), Applied Science/Surgical Technology; and Rosa Torres (Lufkin), Pharmacy.
For further information regarding the Smith-Hutson Scholarship at Angelina College, contact Irma Montoya (imontoya@angelina.edu) or Annette Sandoval (asandoval@angelina.edu.)
“It’s okay to get mad when someone is not following God’s rules,” says Talon, 6. “Like if someone steals a toy from another person, it’s okay to get mad. The angry feeling can help you do something to make things better.”
At six years old, Talon has given us a nugget. Righteous anger will motivate us to do something to make things better. Sinful anger will always make things worse.
“Jesus was angry when he drove moneychangers out of the temple,” says Madalyne, 11. “This was righteous anger. It is okay to get angry if we know something is wrong, and the people who are doing it know it is wrong, too.
“If someone lies, for example, we have the right to be angry at him or her. But we should also remember that we have lied in the past and not be harder on them than we are on ourselves.
“You should not correct someone for doing a wrong thing if you have done the same thing or something else wrong and not resolved it. If you have done so, then first resolve it before correcting your friend.
“Yes, it’s okay to be angry, but only when you yourself have resolved your own problems, which could cause others to be angry at you! Otherwise, let someone who has resolved his problems handle it, and (you) handle your own problem.”
Jesus spoke of removing the plank from your own eye before you try to remove a speck from someone else’s eye. Don’t be a hypocrite (Luke 6:41-42).
Fear of appearing self-righteous or being called a hypocrite shouldn’t make us passive in the face of obvious injustice.
“When Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights, he was angry because blacks were not treated equally back then,” says Nathaniel, 8. “But sadly, he was shot. That is one of the times that it is good to get angry.”
The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). He also wrote: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:14-15).
Every Christian lives in a world full of injustice. Our call is to love and bless those who persecute us unjustly. At the same time, we are to be people of compassion in rejoicing with those who rejoice when justice is served and weeping with those who weep when people suffer from injustice. We should be first to speak up for those who suffer unjustly, and at the same time be willing to bless those who unjustly persecute us for Christ’s sake.
“When we get angry for a good reason, we must be sure that our anger only targets sinful behavior and true injustice, is properly controlled and does not last for a long time or turn into bitterness,” says Alice, 12.
The Apostle Paul wrote: “Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Think about this: Jesus got angry when he encountered those who used his father’s house for personal gain (John 2:12-17). He also got angry at the hardness of heart that religious leaders showed when they tried to trap him (Mark 3:4-6).
Memorize this truth: Ephesians 4:26-27 quoted above.
Ask this question: Do you get angry at the things that made Jesus angry?
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