Miracle Mindset

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsy Last year, Terri and I took a day trip to historic Jefferson, Texas. We instantly fell in love with the place. So, when I had to travel to Arkansas and Northeast Texas on Monday, I couldn’t resist taking a detour back to Jefferson. During our previous visit, Terri and I were tourists. This time, however, I was in photographer mode, feeling that the images I captured on our first visit didn't truly do justice to the magic of Jefferson.

 Written By: Ken Hulsey As a child growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I heard the haunting tale of the Ditch Witch, also known as La Llorona or The Weeping Woman, recounted around campfires and during sleepovers countless times. While the details varied, the core narrative remained the same - a young mother who, scorned by her lover, tragically drowned her own children. Now eternally cursed, the woman's spirit wanders the banks of the Rio Grande, forever lamenting and searching for her lost offspring.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey. There is nothing that can compare with a sunset over the American Southwest. During my years in New Mexico and California, I was treated to beautiful sunsets almost every night. When I lived in the California High Desert they sky would turn all shades of oranges, reds, and ambers. Many will try to point out that the amazing colors are probably the result of the ebbing sunlight bouncing off the air pollution from nearby Los Angeles. I'm not going to get into any of that. I just love a pretty sunset, and as you can see, I really enjoy taking pictures of them.

Biblical Trust The Bible teaches us not to trust in man. Why? People will disappoint you; they will let you down. But God will never disappoint or let you down. Jeremiah 17:5 — This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.” So, we are not to put our trust in people, but in God. Now we do trust people. We have to, at times — trust people will keep their word, do what they say. But we shouldn’t put our trust in them to the point we lose our faith and our trust in God. That’s what happens to so many. Someone will let them down, and then they get mad at God. That’s what the Bible is teaching. Yes, if people have proven themselves trustworthy, great. But eventually people will let you down, even when they don’t mean to. - Pastor Steve Smothermon

Major historical events in the American Southwest during October highlight a rich tapestry of Native American resistance, military campaigns, and the later emergence of vibrant cultural festivals. This month marks change not only in the weather but also in cultural and artistic celebrations. For example, on October 4, 1846, the Battle of Dominguez Hills unfolded in California, marking a notable Mexican victory over U.S. forces.

EXXONMOBIL ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA October 3 - 11 For nine days in October, the Albuquerque skies are colorfully painted as more than 500 balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park. Plan now to attend the ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® and be part of the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival. Walk among the moving picture show of hot-air balloons lifting gently through the crisp, fall air. If you're more of a night owl, experience the magic of a balloon glow as they light up the night sky. No matter what event you choose to attend, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta will make you feel like you're in a dream. Experience a unique kind of “traffic jam” in the skies during the Route 66 Centennial at the biggest ballooning event in the world.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey.  I have to admit that the wife and I have passed by the Martin Homeplace Museum on our way to Monroe well over a dozen times over the past five years. Today I found myself on my way up Highway 165, and I decided to finally pull off and check it out. 

 Last June, I posted an article entitled  Is Silence the New Sin? Why Christians MUST Stand Up and Speak Out NOW!  and in that piece I noted that it was time for Christians to stop being silent, rise into action, and speak the truth publicly about the message of Jesus Christ and the state of society as a whole.

 The history of the Southwest is a rich tapestry woven with the stories of ancient Indigenous peoples, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and shifting powers that included Mexican governance in the 19th century. This vibrant region didn't just evolve through historical events; it flourished thanks to the contributions of diverse cultures. Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions have all played significant roles in shaping the Southwest's distinctive architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and the variety of languages spoken here today.