East Texas plays a central role in powering the nation, and a major development this week underscores just how vital our region has become in the energy sector. Tenaska, one of the largest privately held energy companies in the United States, has expanded its ownership in the Tenaska Gateway Generating Station located just outside of Mt. Enterprise.
The Gateway facility, an 845-megawatt (MW) natural gas–fueled power plant, is unique in that it serves both the Texas power grid (ERCOT) and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), providing critical flexibility and reliability. With growing electricity demand in Texas due to population growth, industrial development, and the surge of new technology-driven businesses like data centers and artificial intelligence, facilities like Gateway are becoming even more essential.
The ownership expansion comes as part of a broader transaction involving three major power plants across the country, with Tenaska and its partner Tyr Energy increasing their shares in the facilities. For East Texas residents, the news highlights both the stability of the local energy infrastructure and the confidence large national energy players have in our region’s role in America’s energy future.
What This Means for East Texas
For Mt. Enterprise and the surrounding communities, the Tenaska Gateway Generating Station is not only a significant employer but also a major contributor to the local tax base. These revenues support schools, infrastructure, and county services, directly benefiting families and businesses in the area.
Gateway’s dual-grid connection is particularly noteworthy. While most Texas plants are tied solely to ERCOT, Gateway can also export power to SPP, enhancing reliability during peak demand or emergency conditions. This unique position helps shield Texans from some of the vulnerabilities exposed during recent grid challenges and ensures that East Texas continues to be part of the solution to statewide energy concerns.
A Commitment to Growth
Energy companies expanding their stakes in East Texas facilities is more than just a financial move—it’s a statement of long-term confidence. As Dave Kirkwood, Tenaska’s senior vice president, explained in announcing the transaction, the company is focused on investing in “well-positioned generating assets.” Mt. Enterprise fits that description perfectly, with its proximity to key transmission lines, access to natural gas, and location in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
Meanwhile, JERA Americas, which transferred its ownership share, has emphasized that the move is part of a larger strategy to reposition its portfolio for future growth. That means while JERA steps back from this particular facility, it is reinvesting in other projects aligned with renewable energy and next-generation technologies.
Powering Tomorrow from the Pineywoods
For local residents, the most important takeaway is that East Texas continues to shine as a vital hub in the national energy landscape. Whether you drive past the towering stacks on Highway 259 or simply flip on a light switch at home, the Tenaska Gateway Generating Station is helping keep homes comfortable, businesses running, and communities thriving.
As electricity demand grows and conversations about grid reliability dominate headlines, Mt. Enterprise is quietly at the center of it all—providing power not just to Texans but also to neighboring states when the need arises. With Tenaska doubling down on its investment here, it’s a clear signal that the Pineywoods will remain an energy powerhouse for decades to come.
Why Did John The Baptist Call Jesus The Lamb Of God?
“John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God because Jesus is too holy and wonderful for him to even untie his shoes,” says Mitchell, 8.
Before John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, he talked about his sandals. By saying he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals, John put himself in the position of the lowest slave. Anything to do with feet was usually reserved for the lowest slave in a household. That’s why Jesus shocked his disciples when he cleaned their feet before they ate the Passover meal on the night before his crucifixion.
Jesus wasn’t joking when he said the way up in his kingdom is the way down. After his disciples debated among themselves about who would be the greatest in God’s kingdom, Jesus said, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
God’s ways are usually contrary to the way we’re trained to think. Leaders usually come from prominent families and go to the best schools. Who would think that the Messiah would be born into a poor family supported by a father who did manual labor in a backwater place like Nazareth? The whole scenario is so contrary to the way we think about power.
“In Bible times when a person sinned, they would take a lamb to the temple to sacrifice,” says Sandra, 9. “To be called a Lamb of God means that God gave Jesus to be killed like a lamb for our sins so we could live forever.”
The majority of Old Testament passages that mention “lamb” refer to a sacrifice (85 out of 96). As a nation, Israel began its history by putting lamb’s blood on the doorposts and lintels of each house. The death angel took the lives of all Egypt’s firstborn, but passed over the houses that had lamb’s blood on the door. To this day, Jews all over the world celebrate Passover.
The entire Old Testament can be summed up with one question, “Where is the lamb?” A pivotal point in Jewish history came when father Abraham took Isaac up the mountain to offer a sacrifice. Abraham knew God had promised to make him the father of many nations, yet God had commanded him to sacrifice his only son by Sarah. When Isaac asked about the lamb, Abraham assured him that God would provide the lamb (Genesis 22:6-8).
The priests in the temple at Jerusalem sacrificed a lamb in the morning and evening every day (Exodus 29:38). For hundreds of years, Jews brought lambs to the temple as sacrifices for their sins. They kept coming back year after year because no lamb could take away all their sin.
For Christians, the Passover points to a greater reality. In the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, God brought the perfect sacrifice that John proclaimed: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
The prophet Isaiah foresaw the Messiah’s sacrifice when he wrote: “He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
Think about this: All the sacrificial lambs offered in the Old Testament point to Jesus Christ.
Memorize this truth: John 1:29 quoted above.
Ask this question: Have you beheld and believed in the Lamb of God as the one who took away your sin?
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.
Front row, from left to right: Dana Duran Solis, Sara Garcia, Dania Jamie, Rebekah Sapp, Presli Flowers, Marlee Jones, Taelor Riley, Leanne Burke, and Charla Raines.
Second row, from left to right: Hermiony Dodd, Samantha Saulsbury, Marti Allen, Savanna Soverns, Georgia Conrad, and Alondra Cura.
Third row, from left to right: Nathalie Jacobo, Vanessa Sanchez, Rhyla Jacildo, Lauren Woodward, Hailei Fontenot, Allison Montero, Violet Williams, and Vivian Montes.
Fourth row, from left to right: Angel Gutierrez-Hernandez, John Oliphant, Brooklyn Hernandez, Natalie Purvis, Grace VanHoose, Abigail Liddle, Audrey Barton, Aubrey Mays, Maggie Allen, and Victoria Alonso.
Back row, left to right: Joey Riccio, Carson McDaniel, Ja’Marcus Nieves, Barret Price, Landree Hamilton, Kyler Allen, Landon Cloonan, Ethan Basham, Kenzee Burton, Luke Murrell, John Hicks, Braydon Nava, and Parker Tanksley.
The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently held their September meeting at Lufkin Parks and Recreation. The Drug-Free All Stars are a group of high school seniors from Angelina County schools that serve as role models for the community by living tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free lives. During the meeting, the Drug-Free All Stars planned campus activities for the year, focusing on substance use prevention campaigns and awareness. Special thanks to Rudy Flores, Deputy Director of Recreation, for allowing the Drug-Free All Stars to meet at the Lufkin Parks and Recreation Center. To find out more about the Drug-Free All Stars, contact Abby Baker at (936) 634-9308 or by email at abaker@angelinacoalition.org. Visit our website at www.angelinacoalition.org or follow @TheCoalition936 on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community.
On Saturday October 25, at the County Courthouse in Lufkin, the direct descendant of Davey Crockett will dedicate the Col Travis Alamo Letter Plaque
“Having Served in the White House for President Reagan and VP Bush, I know great leaders. Mike Johnson of Lufkin is that kind of quality Leader and the Oct. 25 dedication in Lufkin will be terrific” — Doug Cannon, Alamo Letter Society Congressional Liaison
DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, August 19, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Alamo Letter Society Announces Mr. Michael Jackson: Angelina, Texas County Chair
The Alamo Letter Society is honored to announce Mr. Mike Jackson of Lufkin, Texas as the Alamo Letter Chair for Angelina County, Texas. A 1977 graduate of Lufkin High School and a 1981 Engineering Graduate of Texas A&M, he had an impressive 35 year career in the offshore drilling industry
On Veterans Day 2023, the Alamo Letter Society launched with the following Mission Statement: “To educate current and future Texans about their forefathers’ armed struggle for Freedom and Liberty through the placement of a large bronze plaque containing Col. William Barrett Travis’s Alamo “Victory or Death” letter, in all 254 Texas Courthouses.”
2025 marks 190 years since General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna started marching his army to Texas from Mexico. Three Mexican states, including Texas, were in rebellion. The General soon learned that Texans who value liberty and freedom would defend their family, their land, their property, and their sacred honor, with their lives.
The Statewide Chairman of the Alamo Letter effort is Lt Governor Dan Patrick. He is writing to the counties that have not organized their efforts and challenging them to get their plaques dedicated by Independence Day 2026.
The dedication of the Alamo Plaque at the Angelina Courthouse will take place on Saturday October 25, 2025. The direct descendant of Davey Crocket, Errol Flannery will read the most famous letter in the history of the English language.
The Alamo letter was written on February 24, 1836, and heroically dispatched through the Mexican Army to General Sam Houston by Captain Albert Martin. Only 220 words long, many Texans and other Freedom-loving people around the world hold it in the same high esteem as the U.S. Constitution and the Magna Carta. The Alamo Letter Society is dedicated to the two leading Tejanos of the Texas Revolution, Jose Antonio Navarro and Juan Seguín.
The originator of this idea is 13-year-old Texas school girl, Slone McNutt, who was studying Texas history at the Hockaday School of Dallas. In January of 2023, she visited the Alamo with her family. They were looking at the historic 220-word William Barrett Travis’s “Victory or Death” letter on a bronze plaque on the lawn in front of the Alamo chapel. 7th-grade daughter Slone said to her father, Lee William “Bill” McNutt, “Daddy, why aren’t these plaques with the famous letter all over Texas? Her question was the reason for the start of this effort. An idea and an organization were born.
McNutt recruited his longtime University Park neighbor and fellow Vanderbilt University graduate, Rosser Newton, Sr., and US Army SGM (Ret) John Vick from Rockwall, who currently serves as the District Director for Texas Senator Bob Hall, to aid in the birth of the organization.
County Chair Mike Jackson said “I am proud to have the opportunity to honor Col Travis and the Texians who sacrificed everything for Texas Independence at the Alamo. “
“Travis Alamo letter shows us today the essential qualities of being Texan: duty, honor and self-sacrifice. Travis’ sacrifice at the Alamo is the bedrock of Texas values.” said Founding board member Rosser Newton.
Each County Chair will work with the local County Judge and County Commissioners to secure a site for the plaque either inside the Courthouse or on the Courthouse grounds.
Many Counties in. the Lone Star State have already dedicate their plaques, including
– Ellis County: County Judge Todd Little, Chair – Van Zandt County: Dwayne “Doc” Collins, Chair – Nueces County, Mr. Harry Chester, Chair – Hood County Dedication, County Judge Ron Massingill, Chair – Navarro County, Thomas McNutt, Chair
“To have leaders like Mr. Mike Jackson as our County Chair is outstanding.” said Slone McNutt, the originator of the Alamo Letter Idea.
“The spirit of the Alamo letter has been carried by all subsequent generations of Texas fighting men to every battlefield from Gettysburg, to Omaha Beach, from the Battle of the Somme to Iwo Jima. The Texas solider always finds a way forward.“ John Vick, President, Alamo Letter Society 501 C 3.
ALAMO LETTER SOCIETY The Alamo Letter Society exists to educate school children, new Texans and future generations, of their forefathers’ fight for Liberty, and Freedom, through the placement of a large 110 pound bronze plaque containing the Alamo letter at each of the 254 courthouses in the Lone Star State. www.alamoletter.com
Angelina College’s Ashley Jowell, shown here addressing the crowd during a recent ceremony, has been named Chief of the Angelina College Police Department after a lengthy search-and-interview process. Jowell has spent a career in law enforcement and most recently served as the interim ACPD chief for the past several months. (Gary Stallard photo for the AC News Service)
Long-Time Law Enforcement Officer to Lead Campus Department
Angelina College this week named Ashley Jowell its new Chief of Police for the AC Police Department, following a rigorous, months-long public search and interview process. Jowell, who had served as Interim Chief for the past several months, was selected from a competitive pool of candidates after careful review and consideration.
Jowell, who has been with AC since 2021, also has served as a TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) instructor, as well as a Police-in-Service Training Manager. She has served in instructor/trainer roles in such areas as Department of Public Safety Associate Trainer and TCOLE Firearms Instructor. ‘
Angelina College has named Ashley Jowell, shown here in a recent photo, its new Chief of Police for the AC Police Department. Jowell has spent a career in law enforcement and most recently served as the interim ACPD chief for the past several months. (Gary Stallard photo for the AC News Service)
The new chief said her role, along with the entire department’s, is all about providing a safe environment for everyone stepping foot on the Angelina College campus.
“The main role is going to be community policing,” Jowell said. “We want to make sure our campus is safe, not only for students, staff, and faculty, but for all our many visitors and community members.”
Along with the daily campus activities, AC’s Police Department is responsible for providing security for the numerous events, including athletics, concerts, and other activities taking place in the always-bustling campus environment. Jowell said the focus is on preventative measures, such as pre-sweeping areas and ensuring there are ample personnel present for each event.
One challenge Jowell welcomes has to do with what she calls “humanizing the badge.”
“We have students coming here from all over our country and all over the world, and not all of them have had positive interactions with their local police,” Jowell said. “Our officers here at AC go out of their way to build relationships and trust with every student in an effort to provide them with as many positive experiences as possible.”
Before arriving at AC, Jowell served as Communications Supervisor with the Lufkin Police Department from 2015-2022. Her duties there included serving as the custodian for 9-1-1 records and implementing Policy and Procedures. She was responsible for implementing new call-taking procedures during the COVID pandemic in an effort to ensure the safety of all first responders.
In 2021, Jowell was named one of Lufkin’s Most Influential Women; she received the City of Lufkin’s “Above and Beyond” Employee Excellence Award in 2020 and was named to the Eastern Star Huntington Chapter.
Jowell also served as a Communications Operator for LPD from 2010-2015, and was a reserve deputy for the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department from 2009-2013.
A 2006 graduate of Huntington High School, Jowell completed the Angelina College Police Academy in 2009.
Jowell credited her mentors, including former Chiefs of Police Doug Conn, Gerald Williamson and David Thomas, with preparing her for a leadership role.
“Those men were so instrumental in guiding us in directions we needed to go, from handling emergencies to planning to responding – everything involved in police work,” Jowell said. “Their leadership gave me such a great example of the type of leader I want to be.”
As anticipated, our Lady Roadrunner soccer team made its entrance into the NJCAA’s Division I national rankings after opening the season on a strong note. Our Roadrunner men this week earned a couple of wins before dropping a match to a nationally ranked opponent, and the ‘Runner baseball team is swinging away as the “Fall Ball” season progresses.
We held Media Day for the Lady Roadrunner softball team, where the ladies definitely showed off their personalities as they prepare for their own fall season starting in two weeks.
In addition, our women’s and men’s basketball teams provided assistance at the Lufkin Panther football game on Friday night as part of the program’s community service approach.
Don’t forget, we’re getting closer to our annual “Dinner at the Diamond” event taking place on Saturday, Sept. 27. If you haven’t reserved your spot, you may need to insert yourself into the lineup pretty quickly. The tables tend to fill up in a hurry.
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. 18 Lady Roadrunners Enter National Rankings, Upset No. 7 Tyler JC
It was just a matter of time before the Lady Roadrunner soccer team made its way into the national rankings, and last Monday finally saw the team receive its well-earned recognition.
In Monday’s NJCAA Division I national polls, AC’s ladies made their season debut in the Top 20, coming in at No. 18. The Lady ‘Runners suffered a tough 1-0 loss on the road on Monday at No. 15 Trinity Valley Community College, but AC bounced back with a pair of big wins in conference play.
The Lady Roadrunners toppled Jacksonville College Thursday in Jacksonville, pulling away with a 6-0 win over the Lady Jaguars. Anne Vandaële – who leads the team with seven goals on the season – scored twice, as did Beatriz Galvão. Michelle Naderman and Paula Suarez also scored, with Vandaële also adding two assists.
On Saturday, the Lady ‘Runners notched another milestone: The program’s first-ever victory at perennial powerhouse Tyler Junior College. Galvão knocked home a cross from teammate Olivia Sanchez in the 43rd minute for the match’s only goal, and AC goalkeeper Sara Andino swatted away an incredible 14 shots on goal as the Lady Roadrunners knocked off the No. 7 Lady Apaches.
The Lady ‘Runners (4-1-1) will host No. 17 Blinn College at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19 at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Roadrunner Soccer Takes Two of Three in Busy Week
The Roadrunners also put together a busy week, with three road matches on their schedule. AC opened the week with a 2-1 win over Miami Dade College Tuesday at Dallas Baptist University. Kaisei Nagayoshi (22nd minute) and Kanta Maruyama (25th minute) accounted for both Roadrunner goals, with Shuto Ishikawa providing the assists on both scores. Keeper Hugo Herrera finished the match with nine saves.
Thursday in Jacksonville, the ‘Runners handled the Jaguars in a 5-0 AC win. Five different Roadrunners etched their names in the scoresheets: Ilian Ebersbach (’27), Jhosua Jory (’29), Eric Ortiz (’41), Victor Martinez (50’) and Diego Ramirez (’57). Christian Castaneda picked up assists on four of those goals, with Martinez assisting on another. Davy Smith and Iori Tanaka teamed up in goal for a clean sheet in shutting out the Jaguars.
Finally, the ‘Runners ended the week with a 4-0 loss at No. 6 Tyler Junior College.
AC (3-1-1) will host No. 20 Blinn College at 7:30 on Tuesday at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Roadrunner Baseball Splits Doubleheader in Carthage
After Wednesday’s intrasquad exhibition (when Angelina College beat Angelina College by a 10-3 final, with Luke Hamm homering in the game), the Roadrunners traveled to Panola College in Carthage for a couple of fall games against someone not wearing orange and blue.
In Sunday’s doubleheader, AC topped Bossier Parish Community College by an 8-5 score, getting a homer and two RBI from Connor Ficarra and another pair of runs driven in from Marco Bandiero. Trent Pemberton, Jorge Arcia-Palma and Austin Cadroy.
AC dropped the nightcap to Tyler Junior College by a 13-8 final despite a homer from Jon “Diesel” Gonzalez. Jackson Pullen drove in a pair of runs, and Ficarra, Hamm, Will McKinzie, and Billy Theroux.
This Friday and Saturday (Sept. 19-20), Roadrunners Ficarra, Cole Standley, Stefano Ramos and David Wilson will participate in the annual Texas-New Mexico JUCO All-Star Classic at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas.
AC’s next fall games take place on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Melissa ZPlex in Melissa, Texas. The Roadrunners take on North Central Texas College at 1:30 p.m. and Grayson College at 4:30 p.m.
Those games will not be live streamed, but fans can follow the team (“Angelina College Fall 2025”) on the Game Changer app.
Baseball Add Camps for the Fall
AC’s baseball team will host some fall camps for both instructional and evaluation purposes.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, Roadrunner Baseball will host a “Prospect Camp” to evaluate future Roadrunners. The cam starts at 2 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus and is open to all high school players and college transfers.
AC’s baseball team then 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.
Coming Soon: Dinner at the Diamond
AC’s Sixth annual “Dinner at the Diamond” event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 down on the baseball field at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Dinner at the Diamond is a major fund-raiser for Angelina College and its students – not to mention just a lot of fun for everyone involved.
We’ll have a registration link and other information for the event to send out in the coming weeks. We just wanted to give you enough time to mark those calendars.
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.)
Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.
Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Tuesday, Sept. 16:
Roadrunner Soccer vs. No. 20 Blinn College, 7:30 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Friday, Sept. 19:
No. 18 Lady Roadrunner Soccer vs. No. 17 Blinn College, 7 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
When people think about leadership today, they often picture power, titles, or influence. But Jesus gave us a completely different picture: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
That means true leadership isn’t about how many people follow you — it’s about how many people you serve. And in a world that often rewards self-promotion, servant leadership is both countercultural and desperately needed.
Greatness Comes Through Serving
Our culture tells us greatness is about climbing higher. But Jesus said, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
Think about the people you respect most. Chances are, they weren’t the loudest or most powerful, but the ones who showed up for others. Servant leaders earn something greater than a title — they earn trust.
Servant Leaders Multiply Influence
Here in East Texas, we see this principle at work all the time. The teacher who stays late to help a struggling student. The coach who invests in kids beyond the scoreboard. The business owner who puts employees’ needs ahead of profit.
When leaders serve, they inspire others to do the same. Their influence multiplies — not because they demand it, but because they model it.
Serving Brings Real Rewards
There’s a paradox to servant leadership: the more you give, the more you gain. Stronger teams. Healthier families. Deeper community.
And the rewards aren’t just practical. Serving others aligns us with God’s design. As Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3–4, “In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Three Simple Ways to Lead as a Servant This Week
Do one act of service in secret. Help someone without expecting credit.
Ask better questions. Try, “What can I do to help you succeed?”
Shine the spotlight. Use your voice to recognize and encourage someone else.
That’s a Wrap
Texas Forest Country has always been defined by hardworking, community-minded people. This week, let’s double down on that heritage by choosing to lead through service.
The world doesn’t need more self-serving leaders. It needs servant leaders — people willing to trade ego for humility and status for stewardship. When we lead that way, homes, businesses, and communities grow stronger.
“We started a ‘no-complaint jar,’” says Ben, 10. “It’s now our college fund.”
Romans 3 says our words are like heart monitors. The apostle Paul strings together Scripture like X-rays: “‘Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit’; ‘The poison of asps is under their lips’; ‘Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness’” (Romans 3:13–14).
That’s not just ancient poetry; it’s a diagnosis. When our words rot, something deeper is sick.
Hurtful words grow from hearts that have forgotten God: who He is, how holy He is, and how kind He has been to us.
So how can God change our speech?
First, God changes our hearts. New words begin with a new center. The good news, that Jesus offers eternal life as a gift by faith alone in Him alone, does what a thesaurus cannot. It gives us a new heart that wants to please God. When we trust Jesus, He forgives us and places His Spirit within us. New roots, new fruit. A heart that has tasted mercy starts to speak mercy.
Second, God restores the “fear of God” to our eyes. Fear of God isn’t terror that makes us run away; it’s awe that makes us walk carefully and kindly. When God is big in our eyes, we treat His image-bearers with care. We pause before sarcasm. We choose truth over spin. Awe edits our sentences.
“I asked if mouths have a backspace key,” says Sienna, 8. “Dad said it’s called ‘pause.’”
Third, God teaches us the way of peace. Paul says the ungodly “have not known” it. In Christ we get to learn it by apologizing quickly, forgiving freely, and using words to build rather than break. Peace is not silence at any cost; it’s saying the right thing in the right way at the right time.
Here are simple steps kids and families can practice this week:
Pause and pray. When you feel the complaint, the comeback, or the half-truth rising, stop. A ten-second prayer can save a ten-minute mess.
Tell the truth in love. Deceit is the old way. The new way is honest words delivered with a warm tone and humble posture. Truth plus love equals light.
Replace the complaint with gratitude. Replace gossip with a specific encouragement.
Repair quickly. If a sharp word slips out, own it with “Will you forgive me?” Repair is part of the way of peace.
Practice praise. Make a game of catching family members doing something good. Praise is fertilizer for peace.
Choose quiet when needed. Sometimes the most faithful sentence is silence while you cool down. Jesus wasn’t afraid to be quiet when quiet honored His Father.
Why does this matter? Because changed speech shows the world what God is like. Only a heart trained by grace can bless an enemy, apologize first, or tell hard truth gently. Our words become signposts pointing away from us and toward a faithful Savior.
God doesn’t hand us a nicer dictionary; He gives us a new direction. He lifts our eyes to Himself, settles our hearts with His mercy, and trains our tongues to follow. Little by little, grumbling turns to gratitude, boasting to blessing, tearing down to building up. He fills the heart, and the heart fills the mouth.
Think About This: Hurtful words grow from forgetful hearts; grateful hearts grow peaceful words.
Memorize This Truth: Romans 3:13-14 previously quoted.
Ask This Question: What is one small habit you can start today that will help your mouth speak peace?
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation is suspending plans to remove the traffic signal at the intersection of BUS 59/North Street and Lloyd Street in Nacogdoches for the time being pending additional study.
TxDOT will work with a consultant in the near future to perform an in-depth study of traffic patterns along the entire BUS 59 corridor in Nacogdoches to develop a comprehensive solution to update aging infrastructure items like the Lloyd Street signal and reduce congestion along the roadway.
The decision to leave the signal in place pending the study’s results was made based on input from Nacogdoches citizens, city officials, and stakeholders. Capital improvement projects both in progress and planned at Stephen F. Austin State University, were also taken into consideration.
“We wanted to hear from Nacogdoches residents about this proposal,” said Tim Monzingo, Public Information Officer for the Lufkin District. “This is us listening.”
From June 17 through July 3, 2025, TxDOT received 20 comments from the public expressing both support and opposition for removing the signal. Several common themes were apparent in the comments from both sides, including traffic safety, the impact on schools and surrounding businesses, pedestrian safety and traffic flow.
“Re-evaluating the entire corridor will help us better address these issues at Lloyd Street and elsewhere on North Street,” Monzingo said.
A timeline for the study is being developed, and additional information about it will be released later.
“We appreciate everyone who took time to work with us and weigh in on this project,” Monzingo said.
In the wake of the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that stole almost 3,000 American lives, we reflect on the selfless courage of the first responders who rushed into harm’s way to save countless others. Though we mourn the fearless men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice that solemn September morning, we reaffirm our gratitude to all of the brave men and women who wear the uniform and badge today. Together, we can reclaim the spirit and unity that followed 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives. God bless their sacrifice; God bless their memory; and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
With the conclusion of the 2nd Special Session of the 89th Legislature, we will begin to examine the 17 constitutional amendments passed by the Legislature during the 89th Legislative Session that will be voted on during the November 4th Legislative Session. Recently, the Secretary of State’s Office drew the ballot order for the 17 proposed constitutional amendments, and this week, we will examine Propositions 1 & 2.
Proposition 1 proposes an amendment creating the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to provide a dedicated source of funding for the Texas State Technical College System, the statewide system of campuses that provide vocational education. Income from the fund would be available each year, to support and grow TSTC campuses. I was proud to support the legislation that created this amendment, and I look forward to supporting it on the November ballot.
Proposition 2 proposes an amendment prohibiting the legislature from taxing the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust. Our constitution currently prohibits a personal income tax, but there is no explicit prohibition against a tax on capital gains. Therefore, without the amendment, a future legislature could potentially enact a tax on capital gains, which could significantly impact Texas’s pro business environment. I was also proud to support the legislation that created this amendment, and I look forward to supporting it on the November ballot.
The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on September 17 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
