December 24, 2008

It was time to say goodbye. There was nothing left. Enchanting stories from their childhood had left all yesterdays behind, leaving no tomorrows. Olden prophets sensationalized a REAL Jerusalem, peaceful-perfect with children dancing in the streets. That fantasized paradox never happened. From Dan to Beersheba, cruel Romans paraded cobblestone streets; scheming tax-collectors sat at every gate; brutal atrocities against humanity had become so horrendous, they soared beyond human comprehension.

Downtown is the heart of Blanco. Downtown is a reflection of how our community sees itself-a critical factor in business retention and recruitment efforts. When industry begins looking at our community as a possible location, they will examine many aspects, including the quality of life. Included in quality of life is interest in downtown - is it alive and viable, or does it represent local disinterest and failure? Our downtown represents a significant portion of Blanco’s tax base.

The Blanco Women’s Club welcomed guests to an old-fashioned Christmas when they hosted their annual tea in the Old Blanco County Courthouse. Resplendent with red and green Christmas decorations, the Courthouse came alive with merriment, lively music, interesting conversation, and dance during the event, based upon the Blanco Sesquicentennial theme.

If you want your kids to be readers, you have to read to them. Many adults are self conscious about reading to their children, but all a child wants is to feel warm, be close, and hear your voice. These moments will be with them all of their lives. Reading books, for adults and children, is a great centering activity, especially at Christmas, - a pretty hectic time of the year.

December 24, 2008 •Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight, Carols and Communion at New Hope Lutheran Chapel. December 24th at 6:30pm. All Faiths Chapel, 9th and Elm. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. December 30, 2008 •Trout Fishing in Blanco! Blanco State Park will be stocked with rainbow trout on December 30th, January 15th, and January 29th.

Tejanitos art classes are being held at the Blanco Public Library. The kid’s art has become an asset to our community. Their oil paintings all show great talent and the kids are very consistent and enthused with their art. On Saturday, December 13, the Tejanitos hosted an open house and art show at the Rain Bird Art Gallery.

“For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth... “ -John 18:37 Pilate responded to Jesus and said, “What is truth?”. Poor Pilate. Was Pilate jesting with Jesus, was he sincere or just a skeptic? Pilate a man of some learning and power and yet confused about the most basic and essential wuestion of the ages.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray that you know Him. If you don’t think you actually know Jesus, I’d like to suggest you read the chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in your bible and then some day read Revelations. His Word is alive just like He is, and His Spirit who is within all of us who believe in Him, will guide you and speak to you, and you will never be lonely again.

In her book, Who Am I, God? Marjorie Holmes asks the Lord to look after all who get lost at Christmas. Who are these lost ones about whom Holmes is so concerned? Little folks lost in stores running about in panic crying for their mothers and big folks lost in the confusion of crowded parties and crowded lives, with drugs, drink and sex as mistaken goals. She also prays for husbands and wives lost to each other through habit and neglect and misunderstanding as well as sons and daughters lost ...

We’re decking the halls and hanging the balls and greeting our family and friends. Let’s all share some holiday cheer before the old year ends. We hope this year’s been good for you, and things have been just great. Can you believe it’s almost here -- the end of Two Thousand Eight? So what shall we talk about this year?

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." (the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.) I remember as a child growing up that I just couldn't wait until Christmas to open up at least one of my gifts under the tree.

Mary Frances Wood departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ December 17, 2008. She was born November 1, 1950 in Burnet, having just turned 58. She was the daughter of Luke and Billie Leanox. She is survived by her husband, Gary Wood; children: Kimberley Jean Rendon, Dina Rendon and Leigha Kay Rendon, eleven beautiful grandchildren and one great grandson; a brother, Jerry (Bubba) Leanox; two sisters, Billie (chee-Chee) Faris and Linda Hay. A memorial service was held at 2 ...

Dear Editor, Good Afternoon…You know how something perks along fine and nobody notices what is making it work – specifically because it is perking along fine?!?!?! Well I know of something like that and would appreciate a moment of your time to point out how many people are involved in making the Toys-4-Tots for Blanco families successful. For fifteen years Louann Hayes, Lydia and Doug Bledsoe, and Alyce Sierra have been the powers that be behind this organization.

Groups of eighth graders recently worked hard creating a story plan, illustrating pictures, and putting it all together using Microsoft Publisher. Last Thursday these student authors made their way to the elementary school to share their colorful books. Many of the pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade students also asked the “big” kids to read them some of their own favorite stories.

The ATC Christmas Gran Prix Tennis Tournament was held at Northside School District Stadium in San Antonio on December 20 and 21. Brooks Lane and Austin Carrola played in the 18 years and under division. Austin Carolla won first place.

The JV B team lost to Lago Vista 19-13. Braden Batey had 6 points for the Panthers, followed by Jordan Handberry with 5, and Derek Flores with 2. The JV A team beat Lago Vista 41-33. Clayon Green had 11 points and led the team. Zach Barnes had 10, Tanner Rogers had 8, Matt Pepper and James Perez had 3 each, and Dillon Luke, Cody Martinez and Travis McClinton all had 2. The Varsity boys had only one day of practice to get ready for Lago Vista, but still prevailed.

On December 19, the Blanco JV and Varsity girls teams hosted Lago Vista. The Varsity never gave the Lady Vikings a chance, holding on to the lead the entire game. Lacee Hunter was the lead scorer of the night with 15 points. Alyssa Warner and Justine Cooley each put up 9 points.

Have you ever wondered when you write your check to the builder if they are paying their bills? In this trying time, people are not always honest. How do you protect yourself and your investment? First off, check the references before you write that first check. If you are going through a lending institute, both you and the builder can establish a separate account that requires both signatures (yours and theirs).

Brrrrrr! This really is Christmas weather even though our snow was a little early. We have stayed so busy trying to keep breakers from flipping and trying to get timers to work so that all of our pretty lights and scenes in Bindseil Park and the Pecan Bottom will stay on that we haven't had much time to do anything else.

Since this is our last review before Christmas,we saved the best for last. It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street (either version). These two are our Christmas favorites mainly because they represent Christmas so well. When the little girl goes up to the judge in order to prove that believing or having faith in something that can’t be seen isn’t a bad thing, or James Stewart realizing that his decisions did have consequences and that helping people and being there for his family ...

Gentle readers: I apologize for omitting this item last time - ACACIA has the most wonderfully creative clothing style I have ever seen in a young lady and she always looks MAHVELOUS! Plus, she is turning out to be a wonderful big sister!!!! Her parents should be very proud of her! Thinking of Harold and Florine Lord - and Delores Cox too, as well as Marvin and Lorie Stetler and Pearlie Wood.

Last Chance for Lighting Contest December 20, 1968 Hurry! Your entry in the Christmas Lighting Contest must be in by Friday, December 20. The Light you now have surly qualify you to enter in one of six categories and the prizes are to be awarded soon! We urge you to drive around and see the decorations that Blanco citizens have put up, then fill out an entry blank for yourself and return it to Hazel’s Flower Shop, Flutcher’s Drug Store or the Blanco Confectionery.

AUSTIN - What Texas can do to stay strong in a faltering world economy is something top state officials are more than pondering these days. Gov. Rick Perry on Dec. 17 met with trade association and labor union leaders to get input on how the economic downturn is affecting industries and workers in Texas. On Dec.

In working with buyers and sellers over the years, I’ve learned that people often have misperceptions about Realtors. After all, some folks have never bought or sold property; many others only are involved in a real estate transaction every decade or two. I’d like to take this opportunity to clear up some of that confusion. That agent may not be a Realtor I can’t tell you how many people I encounter think the term Realtor is synonymous with real estate agent.

Blanco Police Reports These reports were filed between Nov 22 and Nov 26. Nov 22 • Civil. 9:00 AM. A caller reported a visitation problem. • Reckless Driver. 10:14 PM. A caller reported a possibly intoxicated driver on US 281, heading into Blanco at 20 miles per hour. An officer reported that the driver was having medical problems (with Texas DPS). • Juvenile Complaint.