This story is fictional, but based on scripture found in 2 Chronicles 1:13-17, 2 Chronicles 9:25, Psalm 20:7, and Psalm 33:17-20 Jacob means: “may God protect”

From the time he was twelve years old, he had been trained in the art of combat. He was well mastered in both sword and spear weaponry. He was also a skilled horseman which included knowing how to drive a chariot. He had to know how to harness his war horse to the chariot and how to take care of the tack as well as the horse itself. Everything had to be in top-notch condition so that it would be ready to withstand the heat of battle. He was now twenty.

King Solomon had just received a new shipment of the most well-bred horses ready to be trained for war. This particular shipment was imported from Egypt and Jacob and his comrades were in charge of unloading the beasts from the ship. It could be a dangerous job depending on how skittish the horse was, but something within Jacob challenged him to always rise to the occasion. Ever since he was a young boy in military training, for some reason, whenever he felt like his courage was being called upon, he had to answer. He could never let himself back down from a daring challenge. He felt he must come out the victor. Today was just another private fight warring within himself. He would always tell himself he must conquer his fears, which he knew were only a vapor imposed upon him for but a moment.

Jacob and his comrades had been unloading horses for the better part of an hour, when Jacob saw him. He was black as mid-night during a new moon and Jacob could tell that this horse flesh was fast. His coal black eyes bored into Jacob’s own, defiantly challenging Jacob to tame his unbroken spirit. One word that came to Jacob’s mind about this horse, “obstinate”. This horse was obstinate. However, he was a beautiful horse with features to astound. He was a lighter-framed horse with a sleek shiny coat and that was even after the long boat ride. This observation suggested that the horse was healthy. His chest was deep, indicating the horse had great stamina. Moreover, his legs were straight. His body was slender, but with well-honed muscles.

Jacob could tell this horse had had a lot of physical training before coming to Jaffa. Jacob took this all in in just a few seconds. He thought how he would love to work with this horse. However, what were the probabilities that he, merely a horseman in the Israeli military, would end up with the privilege of training such a great horse to become a war horse? No, it wasn’t likely, Jacob thought. He stepped up to take the reins of the beauty, when the horse spooked and reared up. Jacob calmly and firmly held the reins without letting go. He knew this horse required a firm hand to steer him in the desired direction. It wasn’t going to be easy to train this horse, whoever he was. However, Jacob decided right then that if he could persuade his commanders to let him train the horse, he would relish the challenge.

Jacob fearlessly stood still as the horse lowered himself back to the ground. Jacob gave him a long look, letting the equine know that he was not the master. The horse returned Jacob’s stare, unbroken until Jacob felt they had come to terms. Jacob then, gently tugged on the reigns instigating the horse to move forward. The horse obeyed and stepped forth as Jacob fluidly turned and they began to walk toward the unloading ramp. The transition from the ship to land was smooth and Jacob breathed a sigh of relief. In consequence, the horse was a stallion, making him very unpredictable. However, he had to learn to submit to human authority just like any other horse. After all the horses were taken care of,

Jacob was finally able to bed down for the night. It had been a long day and he was exhausted. As he lay there, he determined that he would make an effort to request if he could be commissioned to train the black stallion.

You are invited to the annual banquet of the Pregnancy Help Center in Port Lavaca on April 5th at the Bauer Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program begins at 6:15pm. The guest speaker will Carol Everett. Table for 8: $300 Table for 12: $400  Individual seats: $40  For more information call 361.551.2102

The April meeting for Calhoun County Democratic Club will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Calhoun County Library, in the community room, 200 W Mahan St., Port Lavaca.

Social/potluck is at 5.30pm and the meeting starts at 6pm.

Got questions? Concerned about democracy? Come and join us.

You can RSVP for our monthly meetings here:

mobilize.us/calhouncountydemocrats/event/457242/

Is it just me, or did spring come early this year?  Other than the brief winter storm and few days of below freezing temperatures, it has been such a mild winter.  These warmer temperatures make me excited for spring, because every year there is such a beautiful wildflower show!  Flowers such as bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes will soon be popping up.

Here in Texas, even the bluebonnet has a story behind its importance and adoration.  It is said that a nun in a blue cloak mysteriously appeared to the Jumano tribe in the 1700s.  When she appeared, the fields suddenly filled with deep blue flowers that were the same color as her cloak.

The bluebonnet became the Texas state flower in the early 1900s, and in the 1930s, the Texas Highway department initiated a dramatic beautification program along state roads.  Today, many Texans look forward to seeing the bluebonnets growing across the hill country.  For me, it is the start of spring, and I know when I see bluebonnets that I’ll soon also see many other flowers making their yearly appearance.  My family used to partake in the annual tradition of taking photos in the bluebonnets at a random spot along the highway, joining many others in this local highlight.

While some flowers may not have the best story or myth associated with them, most native flowers will attract different types of wildlife, from bumblebees to hummingbirds.  As we go into spring, look for native flowers when you do your gardening, and who knows?  Maybe your garden will turn into an oasis.

Many flowers have symbolic meanings, or are tied to folklore or mythology, and many floral myths have led to the modern flower meanings and associations.  For example, peonies may represent bashfulness, which comes from the Aphrodite, a Greek god, catching the gods Paeonia and Apollo flirting.  The story goes that Paeonia was embarrassed, but Aphrodite was jealous and turned Paeonia into a red peony.

Apollo, the sun god, seems to be the cause of much pain in Greek mythology, because there was another goddess who was in love with him.  Clytie, a water nymph, was heartbroken when Apollo left her for a sea goddess, and after spending days without food and water watching for Apollo, she turned into a sunflower, with her face permanently facing the sun.

And then there’s Narcissus, the Greek God who was obsessed with himself.  Narcissus was renowned for his beauty, and he knew it.  Narcissus was lured to a pond, where he could only gaze at his reflection.  He became so upset at his reflection’s unrequited love that he turned into a daffodil, which is also called a narcissus flower.

Carnations were often used in ceremonial crowns and garlands, and were used to honor the Greek gods. But they were also used in fortune telling.  Tulips may symbolize undying love and star-crossed lovers.  Lotuses are considered sacred in some Asian cultures.

Bees on a sunflower. Photo credit: Mustang Joe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

To apply, please call, text, or email Jessika Mendez, WGTEN Chair of Advancement, at jmendez@grnvictoria.com or (979) 257-8905 with your name, email address, and school you plan to attend in Fall 2025 to receive instructions on how to complete the online application.

WGTEN is offering three $1,000 Impact Scholarships in 2025. Eligibility requirements include: Female US Citizen Resident of Victoria, Calhoun, Jackson, Lavaca, DeWitt, Goliad, or Refugio County GPA of 2.75 or higher Plan to attend a community/technical/vocational school or a US college/university that offers baccalaureate degrees in Fall 2025.

WGTEN is sponsoring a $2,000 Outright Grant in 2025. Eligibility requirements include: Female US Citizen Completed at least 60 credit hours GPA of 3.0 or higher Seeking baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited US college/university offering baccalaureate degrees in Fall 2025,

Scholarship applicants must apply online with a biographical sketch, three professional letters of reference, and their most recent official transcript. Eligible students may apply for both the $1,000 Impact Scholarships and the $2,000 Outright Grant.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15, 2025. Recipients will be announced, and checks awarded at the WGTEN monthly meeting on July 10, 2025. Scholarship recipients will receive a year’s student membership with ABWA and WGTEN. We encourage recipients to be involved with WGTEN by attending monthly meetings and volunteering at fundraisers and/or activities. At least 3 completed scholarship applications MUST be received in order for each scholarship to be awarded. Each check is payable to the scholarship recipient and the educational institution jointly. Checks must be cashed within 6 months of issuance. Checks not deposited after 6 months will be fortfeited.