Farmersville, Texas, Oct. 30 – Gov. Rick Perry today awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor posthumously to Audie Murphy, the most highly decorated American soldier of World War II. The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the Texas Military Forces.

“More than four decades since his untimely passing, Audie Murphy lives on in the hearts and memories of a generation of Americans,” Gov. Perry said. “He personifies the traits that led America to victory in the Second World War and on other battlefields around the globe. Audie Murphy remains a shining example for anyone who believes in the importance of service, for generations now and into the future.”

Born in Kingston, Texas, Murphy joined the Army infantry in 1942. He saw his first combat as a private in Italy in July 1943 when the 3rd Infantry Division invaded Sicily, and he subsequently took part in the landing at Salerno, the Volturno River Campaign, the landing at Anzio, and the march on Rome. He went on to receive continued promotions and decorations for valor before returning to the United States in 1945. He earned 28 medals before he turned 21 years old, including several from France and Belguim, for his valiant and courageous actions in combat during World War II.

Murphy joined the Texas National Guard in 1950, after the outbreak in the Korean War, eventually attaining the rank of major. He transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve until his death in 1971. In addition to the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, he has also been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts.

In 1949, Audie Murphy published his autobiography, To Hell and Back. The book quickly became a national bestseller, and in 1955, after much inner debate, he decided to portray himself in the film version of his book. The movie was a hit and held Universal Studio’s record as its highest-grossing motion picture until 1975. Murphy would go on to make 44 feature films in all. In addition to acting, he became a successful country music songwriter, and many of his songs were recorded by well-known artists, including Dean Martin.

Audie Murphy died in a plane crash on May 28, 1971. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on June 5, 1971, with full military honors.

The Harbor Children’s Alliance & Victim Center serves the victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. Among the services they provide are: 24-hour crisis intervention, accompaniment to medical exams, court, and law enforcement agencies.
The Harbor Children’s Alliance & Victim Center is dependent on monetary donations from the community. Your donation is tax-deductible under the 501 (c) (3) of the Federal Tax Code. Additionally, they depend on the help of volunteers in the community.

They are located at 215 W. Railroad St. in Port Lavaca. You can also help by donating: recordable DVDs, postage stamps, WalMart gift cards, HEB gift cards, bottled water, canned sodas, individually packaged snacks and new gift bags. Please call 361-552-1982 for more information.

24-Hour Crisis Hotline:
361-552-HELP (4357)

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.