I believe it was Franklin D. Roosevelt who said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” That statement was made at a time in history when numerous global and national circumstances were weighing heavily on the psyche of our nation. Then president Roosevelt, with his now famous statement, sought to encourage Americans not to let their fears control them―not to let fear become their focus.

The Bible also speaks to the issue of fear. Speaking to his fellow minister of the Gospel, the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT). Without going into a lot of theological detail, permit me to simply say that Paul isn’t telling Timothy that he should never be afraid. Even logic tells us that for one to experience the absence of all fear wouldn’t be normal. Nor would such a state of mind be healthy in the long run. No, Paul isn’t saying that the Christian should never be fearful, but rather, that he should not live in a state of fear. We know this because the Greek word translated “spirit,” in the verse above, refers to a way of thinking, or a disposition of mind. In other words, fear should not be the controlling disposition of mind for the child of God. It’s one thing to experience an occasional bout with fear of the unknown, whether concerning death, or fear of overwhelming pain, for instance. However, it is quite another matter to live in a constant state of dread and fearfulness. God never intended His children to live like that.

So what’s the answer? When you find yourself being held captive by fear, make the choice the psalmist made, when he said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3, KJV). Like the psalmist of old, be willing to admit that you are fearful. Nevertheless, don’t stop there. Determine to trust God with the unknown; the things you can’t change or control; or the things you can’t understand.

Don’t expect the emotion of fear to immediately disappear, for your emotions are often directly related to how you are thinking at a given moment. However, change begins with a choice. Choose to replace thoughts of fear with faith. You can do this by quoting 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalm 56:3 to yourself. It’s easier to replace thoughts of fear than it is to drive them out of your mind. As your thinking changes, the emotion of fear will begin to dissolve into faith and peace.

Copyright © 2011 by Rev. Donnie L. Martin, Meditation of the Heart: Thoughts on the Christian Life. All rights reserved.

Sponsored By The Port O’Connor Lions Club

Vendors – Check this out and join us by renting a booth or two!  Booth spaces under the Pavilion are filling up, so please get your reservation in.  We will have plenty of room for booth spaces outside the Pavilion but need your reservation.

TO BE HELD WHEN:          Saturday, March 8th, 2014

WHERE: At The Port O’Connor Community Center Pavilion in Port O’Connor

SALE TIME:            Open to Public 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We are looking for vendors, so plan now to reserve your booth and start your special crafting or gathering your items for sale.  Additionally, please tell a talented friend about the event so they can start preparing.  Not everything has to be completely hand made.  We are just looking for good quality sale items.  Booth costs are $20. (Outside Pavilion) and $25. (Under Pavilion).   The booth spaces under the Pavilion are on a first come, first serve basis and space is limited.  Under the Pavilion spaces include a table and 2 chairs with extra tables at $5.00 each in a 12’x12’ booth space.  For Outside Pavilion Booth spaces please bring your own equipment and you will have 15’x15’ space to accommodate your EZ-Up type tents.

Patrons – please mark your calendar for this fun event.  We will have plenty of special and exciting items you may find you can’t live without for your purchase from vendors coming from different towns.

For additional information:  Please phone Joyce Jordan, President, at Cell #361-655-7999 or Carol Haverfield, Fundraising & Membership Chairman, at  #361-983-4969.

Lions Arts & Crafts Festival Booth Rental Information:

Under the Pavilion:  $25.00 with approx. 12’x12’ space which includes one 6’ table & 2 chairs.  Additional tables – $5.00 each.  Or consider renting 2 booths if additional space is needed for an additional booth charge.

Outside the Pavilion:  Bring your own equipment, awning, tables, etc. – the cost is $20.00 for an approximate 12’x12’ space
Booths under Pavilion will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis – as there is a limited number of these booths and also extra tables. If you are a Food Vendor and would like to participate, please call for details.

Wed.,Nov. 20 Scouting for Food 4-6 pm Speedy Stop

Thurs., Nov. 21 Port O’Connor Service Club
10:00 a.m. Meeting Room, POC Community Center

Thurs., Nov. 21 Democrats Club Meeting
6:00 p.m. IBC Bank Community Room

Sat., Nov. 23 Dedication & Unveiling of Ed Bell Monument
1:00 p.m. Dedication at Bauer Exhibit Bldg., Fairgounds
Unveiling at Indianola Fishing Center

Sun., Nov. 24 Port O’Connor Community Thanksgiving Service
6:00 p.m. First Baptist Church

Mon., Dec. 2 Service Club Trim the Tree Party
9:30 a.m. Port O’Connor Community Center

Tues., Dec. 3 Seadrift Chamber of Commerce
7:00 p.m. Seadrift City Hall

Tues., Dec. 3 Bunco
7:00 p.m. Meeting Room of POC Community Center

Fri., Dec. 6 Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon
10:30 a.m. Port O’Connor Community Center

Sat., Dec. 7 Toy Run
Arrives at Clark’s Inn approximately 3:00 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 7 Jingle Bell 5K Run
3:00 p.m. Seadrift

Sat., Dec. 7 Holiday Golf Cart/Buggy/ATM Parade
5:00 p.m. Dockside to Train Depot, Seadrift
Followed by Many Holiday Activities

Sat., Dec. 7 Port O’Connor Boat Parade

Dec. 8-15 Seadrift Community Choir Presentations

Mon., Dec. 9 POC Chamber Meeting/Christmas Party
7:00-9:00 p.m. The Sanctuary

Tues., Dec. 10 Seadrift School Christmas Program
6:00 p.m. All grades will be singing.

Dec. 11 & 12 Judging of Outdoor Lighting in Port O’Connor

Sat., Dec. 14 Cemetery Memorial Service
6:00 p.m. Seadrift Cemetery

Tues., Dec. 17 Port O’Connor School Christmas Program
6:30 p.m. School Gym

AA meets each Saturday night at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Port O’Connor.
POC Lions Club meets the second Wednesday of each month, 12 Noon, at Cathy’s Restaurant
Seadrift Chamber of Commerce meets the third Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m. at First National Bank meeting room, Seadrift
Commissioner’s Court meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 10 a.m., 1st Floor of the Court House, Port Lavaca.
Crossroads Astronomy Club meets at 7:00 p.m., third Mondays, at U of H, Victoria, Room 223 info: wes81461@yahoo.com 935-2016
Calhoun County Quilt Guild meets the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Fairgrounds Exhibit Building.
Open Arms (Families Surviving Infant Loss) meets every third Tuesday at Central Church of Christ, 801 E. Airline, Victoria, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Calhoun County Democratic Club meets the last Thursday of the month at IBC Bank, Port Lavaca, at 5:30 p.m.
Calhoun County Republican Club meets first Monday of each month 6:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Community Room, 213 E. Austin, Port Lavaca. (No meeting in December)
CASA (Christians Against Substance Abuse) meets each Thursday from 7-8 p.m. Call 361-652-7451 for meeting place.
Friday Night Youth every Friday except the first Friday of each month, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., Fisherman’s Chapel, Port O’Connor
First Baptist Youth Group (Port O’Connor) meets every Wednesday night from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Grades 6th – 12th
Port O’Connor Cemetery Association meets 3rd Thursday of each month at POC Community Center
POC Sports Association meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at POC Community Center.
Ladies Bible & Book Study is held every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Port O’Connor
National Alliance on Mental Illness (N.A.M.I.) meets 3rd Monday each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Parkway Church, Victoria. Support group meets at Laurent Towers fountain from 6-8 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month.

The November 5, 2013 meeting of the Bunco Group was held with three and one half tables of players and only two Elviras present.  And a very good time was had by all present with Judy Overton and Kelly Gee-Cooper being the hostesses.  Winners of the most buncos was Sally Ragusin, a player who had been absent for some time and whose entry was greeted warmly by all present.  Evelyn Lewis was the big winner again with the most games and the winner of the floating bunco prize was Annette Leach.  And bringing up the rear as winner of the booby prize was Pat Ekstrom.  Hostesses for the December get-to-gather on Tuesday, December 3rd will be Mary Ann Claiborne and Shirley Gordon with the admonition that each player brings a covered dish and a gift for the exchange.  Contact Shirley Gordon at the Library for further information.

The Service Club’s Garage Sale on Saturday, November 9, 2013, was a BIGGIE, and a huge sign of relief was issued by Debbie Busby, the Chairman of the Sale, at its close late that afternoon.  And this sigh was echoed by the members of the Garage Sale Committee along  with each and every Club member who worked on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Sale.  Though this is one of the chief money makers for the Service Club in the Fall, the other is the garage sale in April, still the Club members feel the back and foot pain on Sunday.  But that pain is easily diminished when the financial results of both the Garage and the Bake Sales’ items are announced.  However, even now, if you see a Club member gingerly walking down the street to the entry of the post office or Speedy, you’ll know why.

Halloween Rain: Did you see the waves on Water St on Thursday, 10/31?  Not certain exactly about the inches of rain we received, but I saw trucks driving through the intersection of 15th & Water Sts with water past their hubcaps.  And that’s a lot of water!  Now I know why Water St. has its name!  A resident just told me that one tally was over 8 inches!

Just a quickie about the 5th Annual Chili/Gumbo Cookoff as hosted by Hoop of Hurricane Junction.  A tremendous success; lots of people; incredible chefs; and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  And what makes it even nicer is that Hoop once again is donating the money from this event to our small but wonderful Library.  What a caring citizen of our community he is.
Supposedly Fall is in the air; at least that’s what the calendar says.  But how can you believe it’s Autumn when leaves are turning color, but our temperature still stays in the high 70’s and 80’s?  Not that I’m complaining, but don’t you think November says it’s time to put away the shorts and swimsuits?

Our local chapter of the LIONS CLUB is hosting their Zone Meeting on Thursday, November 14th at 6:30 p.m.  This organization, though currently small locally, has a lot on its upcoming schedule including the Second Annual Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, March 8, 2014.  Contact the President, Joyce Jordan, 655-7999, for further information concerning that event and the next meeting on Wednesday afternoon, December 11th at 4:00 p.m. in our Bank.

Sadly, many of us have learned of the vandalization of our school last week. It’s really disturbing to realize that some people have nothing else to do but participate in the destruction of another’s property.

POC: a very unusual area.  I’ve written before about the sense of warmth and friendliness a resident here receives from others; there is really something incredible and totally desirable about that type of reception.  One sees this as you go to the post office to pick up your mail; or to take a package inside to either Johnny or Alice; definitely this type of reception is emitted as you sadly need a little bit extra in your transaction.  Entering Speedy it’s such a delight to be acknowledged and remembered by the various employees from John Hridek, the manager, to Bobby in the meat market, to all the checkers, to Margaret at Subway and the gals in the baked good section. A person forgets about the advantages (?) of living in a large area with many stores available; it’s definitely an advantage (worth it) to remain in our small, “end of the road” area where one receives and gives more individual attention.  Thank you, Port O’Connor; I never want to move despite having a house in another area!  And I think Henry feels the same.

I welcome any correspondence from any organization re their happenings for information to add to this column.  Also welcome any remarks from our readers, good or otherwise.

kubeckasue@yahoo.com
361 798-0560

Apple Raisin & Pecan Pie

This recipe was shown to me by a sweet little lady in Hackberry, Louisiana named Amy Elmer. She was the head cook in the kitchen at Hackberry Rod and Gun Club, and was kind enough to allow me and the film crew from the Academy Outdoors Television show to shoot a few episodes in her kitchen between the waves of hunters coming through for lunch and dinner. Boy, howdy, you should have seen the massive pots of gumbo and Etoufee they prepared. Awesome. Anyway this was a favorite pie recipe of Amy’s, and I have made it several times. It is without a doubt the best pie I have ever tasted, and it’s not that difficult to make. I hope you will enjoy it too!

• 1 package – Pillsbury’s pie crust – 2 pieces top and bottom – set out for 20 minutes before opening to make handling easier
• 1 glass pie pan
• Butter
• 2 cups pecans – chopped coarsely
• 1 cup – dark brown sugar
• 6 apples- Braeburn or any other firm and juicy variety- peeled, cored and sliced thin
• ½ cup – raisins- you can use dried cranberries if you prefer
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons- flour
• 1/2 tsp – cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• A pinch of nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place a double large sheet of foil under pie pan rack-the juices will tend to bubble out of the shell.
Line the inside of the pie pan with butter.
Place the pecans in the bottom of the pan.
Now- place the brown sugar on the pecans and gently pat down.
Place the first pie shell over the brown sugar and pecans and be sure to make the shell hang over the edge of the pan slightly.

Place the flour, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl and stir together well.
Sprinkle the dry mixture over the sliced apples, and stir gently to combine.
Place the apples in the pan on top of the first pie shell. (Careful it’s a lot of apples and it will look really high but it’s OK.)
Add the other pie shell and pinch the edges of the two crusts together.
Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to allow the steam to escape during baking.

Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Then – remove and carefully place a plate on the top of the pie and flip over onto the plate.
Lift off the pie shell carefully scraping any pecan bits over the top of the pie.

Enjoy!!!
Bryan Slaven
The Texas Gourmet
* Texas Gourmet products available online at: www.texasgourmet.com