The Gratitude Advantage: Why Thankfulness Transforms Business Culture

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November 28, 2025

This time of year, we’re reminded to pause, give thanks, and count our blessings. But gratitude isn’t just a seasonal activity for the Thanksgiving holiday—it’s a leadership principle that can transform the culture of any business year-round.

Too often, business leaders think culture is built through perks, policies, or motivational posters. But in my experience, the most powerful driver of culture is gratitude. A leader who chooses thankfulness sets the tone for an organization where employees feel valued, customers feel respected, and communities feel served.

Gratitude isn’t soft—it’s strategic. And when applied consistently, it becomes a competitive advantage in a cutthroat marketplace.

Insight #1: Gratitude Shifts Perspective

Leadership is stressful. We face challenges, deadlines, and financial pressures that can easily lead to frustration or negativity. Gratitude doesn’t erase those challenges, but it shifts our perspective.

Instead of asking “Why me?” gratitude asks, “What can I learn?” Instead of focusing on what’s missing, it notices what’s present. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, it celebrates progress.

For small business leaders, this mindset shift can be the difference between burnout and resilience. Gratitude creates leaders who inspire instead of complain, who encourage instead of criticize, and who see opportunities where others only see problems.

Insight #2: Gratitude Strengthens Relationships

At the heart of every business are relationships—with employees, customers, vendors, and partners. Gratitude is the glue that strengthens those bonds.

When leaders thank employees genuinely and consistently, engagement rises.
When businesses show appreciation to customers, loyalty grows.
When companies acknowledge the contributions of partners and vendors, trust deepens.

It’s no accident that some of the strongest, longest-lasting companies also have cultures of recognition and appreciation. People don’t just want to be paid—they want to be valued. Gratitude delivers that value in a way money never can.

Insight #3: Gratitude Fuels Resilience

Business is rarely smooth sailing. There are downturns, disruptions, and unexpected crises. What separates leaders who crumble from those who persevere? Gratitude.

Veterans of the business world (and of life) know that gratitude builds resilience. When you intentionally remember past blessings, you’re better equipped to face future battles. Gratitude helps you see challenges not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to growth.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That’s not just good theology—it’s powerful leadership strategy.

Insight #4: Gratitude Multiplies Influence

Gratitude doesn’t just transform individuals and teams—it multiplies influence.

Think about the leaders you admire most. Chances are, they carry an attitude of thankfulness. Gratitude is magnetic. It attracts people, inspires confidence, and fosters loyalty. Leaders who are consistently grateful tend to have teams that go the extra mile, customers who stick around, and communities that rally behind them.

That’s the gratitude advantage: it multiplies what money alone can’t buy—trust, loyalty, and long-term impact.

Practical Action Steps for Business Leaders

If you’re ready to bring gratitude into your business culture, here are three simple practices:

1. Start Meetings with Thanks

Before diving into the agenda, take 60 seconds to highlight one person, one success, or one blessing. This sets a positive tone and keeps perspective grounded.

2. Write More Thank-You Notes

Handwritten notes, quick emails, or even text messages of appreciation go further than you think. Make gratitude a habit, not an afterthought.

3. Build Gratitude into Recognition

Formalize it. Celebrate employees who model gratitude. Recognize customers and partners publicly. Make thankfulness part of your brand identity.

The Gratitude Advantage in Action

At MSGPR, I’ve seen firsthand how gratitude shapes outcomes. Clients who approach marketing with a spirit of thankfulness—for their customers, their team, and their opportunities—create messages that resonate more deeply. Teams that celebrate wins, no matter how small, build momentum that carries them through challenges.

Gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it drives results.

That’s a Wrap

In today’s fast-paced, competitive marketplace, leaders are tempted to lead with urgency, fear, or control. But the leaders who make the deepest impact lead with gratitude.

This Thanksgiving, let’s remember that gratitude is not just for the holiday table. It’s a daily practice that transforms perspective, strengthens relationships, fuels resilience, and multiplies influence.

Thankfulness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. And it’s one of the greatest advantages any leader can have.

Here in East Texas, we know gratitude is more than words—it’s a way of life. Families gather, neighbors support each other, and communities thrive when thankfulness is at the center. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember that a grateful heart is also the strongest foundation for leadership and business success. For more on faith-driven leadership and values-centered business, visit MSGPR.com.

A Holiday Checklist for East Texas Lawns and Landscapes

By

Cary Sims

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November 28, 2025

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Thanksgiving week is when most of us finally slow down long enough to notice what our yards are doing. The lawn has stopped growing, leaves are collecting, and the cooler nights have us wondering what we should tackle before winter really settles in.

It is with this brief break that a short list of simple tasks that can make a big impact—as well as a few mistakes worth avoiding. Here’s a practical checklist to guide your Thanksgiving week in the yard.

First, give your lawn its last proper mowing. Don’t try and scalp anything this late in the season. Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda benefit from being left just a little taller going into winter—around 2½ to 3 inches. That extra height cushions the crowns against cold injury and helps shade out early weed growth. A too-close cut in November exposes the growing points of the plant and stresses turf that’s already slowing down for the season.

Next, deal with leaves before they become a problem. A light layer of leaves is no issue at all. In fact, running over them with a mower to mulch them back into the turf puts nutrients back into the soil.

But when leaves start piling up thick enough to mat on the lawn, they can smother the grass beneath. Mulch what you can, and bag or move the rest before it becomes a wet, compacted layer. Texas A&M AgriLife research has consistently shown that mulched leaves can improve soil organic matter and overall turf health—just keep the layer light enough that the grass can breathe.

Do not fertilize now. Late-season nitrogen is one of the quickest ways to push tender growth that is easily damaged by cold weather. At this point in the year, the grass is preparing for dormancy, not growth. Save your fertilizer money for spring.

Hold off on pruning. Every fall, as soon as folks have a few days off, the urge strikes to “clean up” shrubs, hedges, and trees. Resist the temptation. Pruning in November stimulates new growth and exposes plants to cold injury. Of course, if a branch is broken or poses a hazard, go ahead and remove it. Otherwise, hold off until mid-winter for trees and until late winter or early spring for most shrubs.

Plant trees and shrubs now while conditions are ideal. I’ve repeated the experts on this point multiple times. Mid-November through February is the prime planting window for woody ornamentals in East Texas. The soil is still warm enough for root development, but the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants. Oaks, native hollies, maples, camellias, and many landscape shrubs all perform well when planted in this window. Set them at the correct depth, water them deeply at planting, and refresh the mulch ring (but keep mulch off the trunk).

Add cold-tolerant winter color. Pansies, violas, ornamental cabbage and kale, snapdragons, and dianthus all handle our cold nights well. These will carry your beds through the winter and into early spring.

Lastly, ignore lawn disease issues right now. A lot of lawn issues slow down on their own as temperatures drop. Brown patch (also called large patch) becomes less active with cooler soil, and most fall leaf spots or cosmetic blemishes on shrubs are simply part of the seasonal transition.

Think of this holiday as a natural pause in the year—right between the end of the growing season and the start of true winter. A little bit of smart work now will mean a healthier lawn and landscape when warm weather returns. I hope that you enjoyed the holiday, enjoyed your family, and enjoy the chance to set your yard up right for the season ahead.

How Can You Give Thanks In Everything?

By

Carey Kinsolving

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November 28, 2025

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“Let us be thankful for the fools,” wrote Mark Twain. “But for them the rest of us could not succeed.”

Is there more to thankfulness than this rather cynical view expressed by one of America’s most beloved humorists?

Yes, say a cadre of kids with some rather remarkable ways to apply the apostle’s mandate to give thanks in everything.

“When I broke my jaw, I am glad I didn’t die,” says Jordan, age 9. “When my friend broke his leg, I am glad he didn’t break three bones instead of two. When I burst open my head, I am glad I didn’t break my head.”

Jordan, I hope you and your friends don’t break the cash reserves of your health insurance company.

Another Jordan, 8, has found a way to be grateful for asthma: “I don’t have it all the time.” Jordan is also thankful for her sister. “She is annoying, but I love her.”

Don’t wait for something spectacular to express gratitude, says Dorothy, 8: “I give thanks that I’m here today. I can give thanks that I’m able to be there to help my mom in her time of need.” Dorothy, I think your mom is grateful for your helpful spirit.

“You can also thank God before you eat,” says Justin. “Give us this day our daily bread” is a prayer Jesus taught his disciples.

Some kids may think it’s hard to give thanks for certain meals. However, Stephen, 7, says, “If you have some spinach or some food you don’t like, just think of all the people who would like to have that food.”

Believe it or not, a third Jordan, 8, has found reasons to give thanks: “You can give thanks for everything by looking at the best of everything, by praying and by singing his praises.”

Stick with the three P’s of providence, prayer and praise, and you’ll never allow bitterness to take root in your heart. An attitude of gratitude sees even adverse circumstances as part of God’s greater plan for character development.

If you’ve trusted the Lord Jesus as your savior, be grateful that the God who created this universe has accepted you into his glorious kingdom. Hold up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of ingratitude, doubt and anger that can ruin the peace to which God has called you.

Leah, 10, explains how providence and praise work together: “You should be thankful in the good times that God has given you something good to praise him about. You should be thankful in the bad times because he has given you a chance to trust him.”

Praise is a form of thanksgiving, but just how do you praise? “We can sing everywhere we go and just praise the Lord for what he has done,” says Rachel, 8.

I have a friend in Ventura, California, who taught me how to praise. As a senior citizen past retirement age, Fran Rigoli is no longer a youngster, but he sings like one. Walking on the beach, eating breakfast or driving to the grocery store, it doesn’t matter. Fran sings his way through life. And why shouldn’t he?

Point to ponder: Give thanks in all things because God loves you unconditionally.

Scripture to remember: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive” (John 7:38-39).

Question to consider: Can you think of an adverse situation for which you can give thanks?

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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.

City of Lufkin Announces a Full Weekend of Holiday Festivities December 4-7, 2025

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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November 27, 2025

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LUFKIN, TEXAS
The City of Lufkin is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of holiday events taking place from December 4 through December 7, 2025. From beloved traditions to new seasonal favorites, Downtown Lufkin will be busy with family-friendly festivities, live entertainment, and holiday cheer all weekend long.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show

7:00 PM · The Pines Theater; 113 S First St, Lufkin, TX 75901
Presented by the Angelina Arts Alliance

Kick off the holiday weekend with a nostalgic and heartwarming performance of The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show. This live variety show features classic Christmas tunes, comedy, and storytelling, bringing audiences a cheerful and timeless holiday experience at the historic Pines Theater.

For more info, visit: angelinaarts.org/ticket—events#calendar-4ad6ed84-5dcf-46c5-bfcc-b5354a8f3182-event-802bd172-0d77-4a8c-8240-f59978eeb92d

Friday, December 5, 2025

Lighting of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit

Festivities begin at 5:00 PM; 222 E. Shepherd Ave
Presented by LUFKIN Industries

Lufkin’s most iconic holiday tradition returns to Downtown: the Lighting of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit. Standing 45 feet tall, this fully operational pumpjack is decorated with thousands of sparkling lights and comes to life once it’s dark enough for the lights to shine. The lighting will be led by LUFKIN Industries, continuing a celebrated tradition that generations of families have enjoyed.

Movie in the Square

Immediately following the Lighting of Rudolph · Cotton Square
Presented by Angelina Arts Alliance
Sponsored by Security & Guaranty Abstract Co. and Visit Lufkin

After Rudolph light ups the night, the festivities continue in Cotton Square with a free Christmas movie under the stars. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of holiday magic with friends and family.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

ADAC Reindeer Run

8:00 AM Morning Event · Downtown Lufkin

Start the morning with the ADAC Reindeer Run, a fun and energetic race supporting ADAC of Deep East Texas. This community run brings together families, athletes, and holiday supporters for a joyful start to Saturday’s celebrations.

For more info, visit: runsignup.com/Race/TX/Lufkin/ADACReindeerRun

Lufkin’s Lighted Christmas Parade

5:30 PM · Downtown Lufkin

In the evening, the streets of Downtown Lufkin sparkle during Lufkin’s Lighted Christmas Parade. Featuring dazzling floats, cheerful performances, and community spirit, this beloved parade continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the season.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Festival of Trees

2:00 – 4:00 PM · Museum of East Texas; 503 N Second St, Lufkin, TX 75901

Complete the weekend at the Festival of Trees, a joyful celebration showcasing beautifully decorated Christmas trees. It’s a warm and festive way to wrap up Lufkin’s holiday weekend.

For more info, visit: metlufkin.org/event-details-registration/family-day

A Weekend of Holiday Magic

“With so many events happening throughout Downtown Lufkin, this weekend offers something truly special for every member of our community,” said Visit Lufkin. “We’re excited to bring our residents and visitors together for a memorable holiday experience.”

For more information about holiday happenings in Lufkin, visit VisitLufkin.com or follow Visit Lufkin on social media.

My Five Cents: A Monthly Column from Senator Column

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Senator Robert Nichols

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November 27, 2025

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As we start the Thanksgiving week, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday. This season is a welcome chance to pause, gather with loved ones, and reflect on the many blessings we share.

Here are five things happening around your state:

East Texas groundwater battle continues

Over the past several months, East Texas has been home to a closely watched legal dispute involving applications for high-capacity groundwater wells in the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District (NTVGCD). These applications raised concerns about potential impacts to the Carrizo–Wilcox Aquifer, an important water source for many East Texas communities. Earlier this fall, Wayne-Sanderson Farms LLC, which operates in the region, challenged the NTVGCD’s handling of the applications, and the parties reached a court-approved settlement that voids the district’s prior vote deeming the applications administratively complete and pauses the issuance of any large-volume permits until additional aquifer studies are completed. This month, the permit applicants sought to intervene and set aside that final judgment, but the judge denied the request. The applicants may still choose to appeal, but they have also filed a separate lawsuit in Cherokee County district court seeking to compel the NTVGCD to act on their pending permit applications. I will continue to closely monitor this issue and work to safeguard East Texas groundwater.

Texas A&M Forest Service awards grants to rural volunteer fire departments

The Texas A&M Forest Service recently announced $164 million in new grants to rural volunteer fire departments through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Created in 2001, this program helps departments purchase firefighting vehicles, rescue equipment, protective gear, dry-hydrant systems, and training they might not otherwise afford. It also supports recruitment efforts and provides emergency assistance following disasters. Eligible departments include recognized volunteer departments and part-paid departments with 20 or fewer paid staff. With demand for grants often exceeding available funding, this year’s allocation is especially significant. A total of 558 fire trucks and 321 slip-on units will be awarded statewide, giving rural departments the tools they need to respond quickly and safely during emergencies. I’m proud to support these first responders and our commitment to public safety in East Texas.

GLO submits grant application for construction of the East Texas Veterans Cemetery

This month, the Texas General Land Office submitted a federal grant application to construct the new East Texas Veterans Cemetery. This project would provide a burial option for the more than 32,000 veterans who call East Texas home. The cemetery is planned for a 64-acre site in Harrison County on land generously donated by Tyler resident Debra Christian. Texas currently operates state veterans cemeteries in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen, Mission, and soon Lubbock, leaving much of East Texas without a nearby option. The initial cemetery plan includes burial plots, columbaria, a scattering garden, a committal shelter, and an administration and information center. Once the land donation is finalized, the state will select a contractor and submit a final bid package to the VA. If the project stays on schedule, construction could begin after federal approval.

The Mid-America Baseball League welcomes two new East Texas teams

The Mid-America League, a semi-professional baseball league, has added two new East Texas teams set to begin play in summer 2026: the Beaumont Oil Barons and the Nacogdoches Niners. Founded in 2024, the league features college players, undrafted athletes, and former professionals, with existing teams in Fort Smith, Joplin, Abilene, Texarkana, Sherman, and White Oak. Each team plays a 64-game season from May through August. The addition of these two East Texas franchises brings new summer recreation to our communities while also supporting local economic development and community pride. I look forward to cheering on the Oil Barons and the Niners as they bring new energy to our region’s sports lineup.

TxDOT announces 25-year streak of daily road deaths

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced this month that Texas has now gone 25 years without a single day free of traffic fatalities. Since the last death-free day on November 7, 2000, more than 91,000 people have been killed on Texas roads. TxDOT urges drivers to help prevent these tragedies by keeping speeds reasonable, buckling up, planning ahead for a sober ride, avoiding distractions, and giving space to emergency or roadside crews by slowing down or changing lanes when safe. With the holidays approaching and more Texans traveling, it is especially important to stay alert and make safety a priority every time we get behind the wheel. Be careful out there.

Angelina College Visual Arts Students To Display Works

By

Gary Stallard

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November 26, 2025

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Exhibition Open Dec. 2 through Jan. 5 in the ACA Gallery

Angelina College’s Visual Arts will close out their fall semester by displaying their talents in an exhibition scheduled to run from Tuesday, Dec. 2 through Monday, Jan. 5 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the AC campus.

An artists’ reception will take place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the ACA foyer.

Students in instructor Le’Anne Alexander’s Visual Arts courses have been studying introductory drawing, design and painting.

Participating students and their specific classes, along with their hometowns of record, are as follows:

ARTS 1316 (Drawing I): Allie Armstrong, Lufkin, TX; Kaylee Martin, Lufkin, TX; Jozlin Pettit, San Antonio, TX; Grace Pivonka, Lufkin; Karis Russell, Lufkin, TX; and Mackenna Shores, Livingston, TX.

ARTS 2316 (Painting I): Michael Anderson, Nacogdoches, TX; Emily Andrade, Lufkin, TX; Natalie Green, Huntington, TX; Lauren Lee, Lufkin, TX; Jozlin Pettit, San Antonio, TX; Ashby Price, Lufkin, TX; Anessa Rebolloso, Lufkin; Anthony Varkadoz, Lufkin, TX; and Gabrielle Wallace, Lufkin, TX.

Arts 1311 (Design I, 2D): Emily Andrade, Lufkin, TX; Samantha Burns, Lufkin, TX; Jenn Diaz Santiago, Huntington, TX; Christopher Gonzales, Diboll, TX; Donovan Jacot, Lufkin, TX; Logan Jetty, Livingston, TX; Randy McKelvey III, Lufkin, TX; Jozlin Pettit, San Antonio, TX; Gio Russaw, Lufkin, TX; and Gabrielle Wallace, Lufkin, TX.

From the official invitation:

“The Department of Visual and Performing Arts and lead Visual Arts faculty member, Le’Anne Alexander, are proud to present a semester of artworks by students in the following courses: Drawing I, Design I (2D) and Painting I. Students in Alexander’s courses have worked hard this semester to understand and apply the foundational elements and principles of art across a variety of media. They will take these building blocks with them throughout their careers and in all their artistic and creative pursuits. Please join us in celebrating them.”

Admission to the reception and gallery is free and open to the public.

For information on AC’s Visual Arts programs, contact Le’Anne Alexander at lalexander@angelina.edu.

Gary Stallard’s email address is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Angelina College Fire Academy Graduates Class 2025-64

By

Gary Stallard

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November 26, 2025

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Cadets of the Angelina College Fire Academy Class 25-64 pose before their recent graduation ceremony. A total of 10 new fire fighters received their certifications inside AC’s Hudgins Hall. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)

Ten Cadets Receive Certifications in Ceremony

Ten future firefighters received their certifications and other honors during Friday’s ceremony recognizing the Angelina College Fire Academy’s Class 2025-64 graduates.

In the ceremony held inside AC’s Hudgins Hall, Cadet James Moore of Timpson, Texas, earned both Valedictorian and Most Outstanding Cadet honors, while Chief Debra Knight, State Fire Marshall, offered the keynote address.

State Fire Marshall Chief Debra Knight addresses the crowd during the recent Angelina College Fire Academy Class 2025-64 graduation ceremony. A total of 10 new fire fighters received their certifications inside AC’s Hudgins Hall. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)

“I’ve had the opportunity to see each of these young men grow and mature throughout the course of this academy,” Chief Jason Pope, Coordinator of the AC Fire Academy, said. “To say I’m proud of them is an understatement.

“It’s our mission to produce the best possible firefighters and continue to honor the traditions and professionalism associated with the fire service. With this group, I believe we’ve accomplished just that.”

Knight, a retired colonel who served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army before her appointment as State Fire Marshall, lauded the cadets on their achievements.

“First, congratulations, because completing this program is no small feat,” Knight said. “It takes grit, perseverance, discipline and an unwavering commitment to serve others. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and your families should feel proud of you as well.

“True strength doesn’t come knowing everything. It comes from humility, discipline and teamwork.”

Knight shared her experiences while reminding the new fire fighters to prepare for the unexpected; she spoke of the time her Army unit was called back to duty on the day they were supposed to return home.

“What I remember most isn’t the disappointment,” Knight said, “even though to this day I still feel that sinking feeling in my stomach, but mostly I remember how our team came together for each other.

“That’s what great teams do. They bend, but they don’t break. Emergencies will come when you least expect them, and emergencies don’t wait for convenience. There’ll be times when you think you’re done, but your training and discipline will carry you through.”

Moore, also a veteran, spoke of finding a “new purpose” over the course of the grueling 16-week academy.

“I don’t think I could have done this without my new brothers,” Moore said. “In this time, we’ve made lifelong memories and friends, and I look forward to working with you guys and getting after it.”

Graduating fire cadets, along with their hometowns of record, were as follows:

Carson W. Basham, Pollok, TX; Brandon M. Bostick, Huntington, TX; Cameron B. Buettner, Nacogdoches, TX; Jack T. Christensen, Nacogdoches, TX; Damian Diaz, Lufkin, TX; Kolton K. Karns, Douglass, TX; James M. Moore, Timpson, TX; Alex Padilla, Nacogdoches, TX; Riley L. Vanscoder, Nacogdoches, TX; and Chris A. Vasquez, Lufkin, TX.

Instructors and staff for Class 25-63: Jason Pope, Chief Training Officer, Angelina College Fire Academy; Battalion Chief Shawn Dillon, Assistant Coordinator, Angelina College Fire Academy/Nacogdoches Fire Department; Adam Inman, Porter FD; Justin Guynes, Houston Fire Department; Jason Stuck, Lufkin Fire Department; Anthony Holcombe, Lufkin Fire Department; Mason King, Nacogdoches Fire Department; Kim Capps, Public Safety Specialist; and Ashley Jowell, Angelina College Police Department/Director of Public Safety Training Fire/Law Enforcement.

For further information regarding Angelina College’s Fire Academy, contact Jason Pope at jpope@angelina.edu.

AgriLife Extension Appoints Ronnie May as Newton County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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November 25, 2025

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The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has announced the appointment of Ronnie May as the new Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Newton County, strengthening the organization’s commitment to serving every corner of Texas with hands-on, research-based expertise.

A native of Dudley, May brings more than two decades of experience in conservation, land stewardship, and agricultural support. His career includes service with the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and most recently, 20 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

May’s agricultural roots run deep. He grew up showing steers and swine through Clyde High School FFA and the Callahan County 4-H, earning a place on the State Dairy Foods Team. While earning his bachelor’s degree in animal science/pre-veterinary medicine at Abilene Christian University, he also competed on the Livestock Judging Team and Soils Team.

Those early experiences shaped a lifelong passion for helping landowners succeed.

“I’m passionate about agriculture and natural resources and want to help people be successful on their land,” May said.

As Newton County’s new agent, May will serve as AgriLife Extension’s primary connection to local residents, offering education, problem-solving, and support tailored to the unique needs of Southeast Texas landowners, ranchers, farmers, and timber producers.

His appointment is part of AgriLife Extension’s statewide effort to ensure that every Texas county – especially rural regions like the Texas Forest Country – has direct access to practical guidance rooted in sound science.

Texas Fire Departments Receive Donated Equipment, Rebuilding After Hill Country Flood

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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November 24, 2025

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – After devastating flooding that struck Central Texas this summer, three Texas volunteer fire departments received donations of essential emergency response equipment through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Helping Hands Program.

This program facilitated the donation of equipment to help expand and restore the emergency response capabilities of Hunt, Mountain Home and Ingram volunteer fire departments, which experienced loss of equipment while responding to the flood.

A fire engine was donated to Hunt Volunteer Fire Department by Jefferson County Emergency Services District Three. Hunt Volunteer Fire Department was an initial responder to the flooding and served as a central hub for volunteers and equipment throughout the response. During the flood, they lost two trucks.

A fire engine, 17 air packs and two rapid intervention team packs were donated to Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department by Fulshear Volunteer Fire Department. A water rescue boat was donated to the department by a private donor in New Mexico. The donated fire engine replaces a fire engine that was lost during the flood. The rescue boat is an addition to the department and will increase the capacity of its swift water rescue team.

Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department was an initial responding agency to the flood, assisting in search and rescue operations.

Personal protective equipment was donated to Ingram Volunteer Fire Department by Salado Volunteer Fire Department. The donated personal protective gear replaces their gear lost in the flood. Ingram Volunteer Fire Department was also an initial responding department to the flood, assisting in search and rescue operations.

The donated equipment was presented to the volunteer fire departments Nov. 12.

The Helping Hands program helps connect volunteer fire departments in need of equipment with equipment donated by other fire departments.

This program is one of the agency’s several volunteer fire department assistant programs, which serve to strengthen local response capabilities and keep Texans safe.

“Our mission is to give fire departments every possible advantage so they can protect lives and property,” said Jason Keiningham, Texas A&M Forest Service Capacity Building Department Head. “These departments are the backbone of their communities; they show up for people on what is often the worst day of their lives. By providing equipment and support we are helping to ensure they have the tools they need to do their job safely.”

Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service website for more information about programs for volunteer fire departments.

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By

Carey Kinsolving

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November 24, 2025

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How Do You Know If You’re Going To Heaven?

“My grandma thinks I’m going to heaven,” says Kole, 6.

Why is it that most grandchildren can’t get enough of their grandparents?

Most grandparents are smart enough to just love on their grandkids. They leave the hard stuff like correction and discipline for the parents.

Kids instinctively sense when someone loves them. They know their grandparents think they’re very special, and they love it. If grandparents possessed the key to heaven, all their grandkids would have their tickets punched for heaven.

“You have to be good,” says Carly, 6.

That’s exactly the problem, Carly. Do you know anyone who is good always? If no one is good all the time, how good do you have to be to walk through the pearly gates? Many people think God grades on the curve. If I’ve been better than most people, God will roll out the golden carpet to welcome me into heaven, right? WRONG!

God doesn’t grade on the curve. When we compare ourselves to other people, we’re looking at the wrong standard for entering heaven. We need to look at God instead of people. God is good all the time because goodness is his nature.

“I know I am going to heaven because I believe that Jesus died on the cross to take away my sins,” says Reecie, 7. “I know that this is the way to get to heaven because God said so, and God is truthful” (John 3:16).

Reecie is not trusting in her own efforts to be good. She knows that she could never earn the kind of goodness that God requires to live with him forever. The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s standard for goodness and heaven. Out of all the billions of people who have been born, only he was good all the time.

As God’s only son, Jesus came from heaven in order to make the way to heaven available for all. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Amazingly, Jesus Christ offers eternal life as a free gift to all who will simply trust him and him alone as their only way to heaven. In spite of the fact that Jesus said, “It is finished,” as he hung on the cross, many people still think Jesus needs help in being the savior of the world.

You can’t be truly confident or powerful unless you know with certainty that you have eternal life. Death is the biggest problem everyone faces. Jesus conquered death when he rose from the grave after three days. True liberation and power comes from knowing you are God’s child forever. No one including you can undo a spiritual birth any more than one can undo a physical birth.

When you’re born again spiritually into God’s family, you belong to him forever. God wants to bless all his children. Like any good father, he disciplines his children (Hebrews 12:6). However, he never disowns them. That can’t happen because God promised eternal life to all who accept the Lord Jesus as their savior.

No sin or failure is greater than Christ’s sacrifice for sin. Wow!

Think about this: The very nature of the life that God gives when anyone trusts the Lord Jesus as his or her savior is “eternal.”

Memorize this truth: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

Ask this question: How can you lose something that lasts forever?

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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.

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