So Inspirational - So Touching - So Young

I recently read one of the most inspirational and touching stories about a young Canyon, Texas man. Seventeen-year-old, Mark England is a 6′ 1″ 260 left guard for the Rebels. Mark fills the pulpit of his church each Sunday night with a guitar over his large chest and belts out “Precious Memories” in a deep strong voice. Then he asks the church members and visitors to bow in prayer.

Mark is a young, associate preacher at Bethel Baptist Church in Canyon. The Good Lord has answered many of Mark’s prayers by giving him the chance to preach to his congregation for 36 minutes each Sunday night.

When Mark preaches, he doesn’t shout and his hands are rarely still, but he does deliver a very strong message that comes across loud and clear. He also mixes humor with Scripture to keep all eyes and ears alert while he preaches. Mark said that sometimes it seems like a lot of baggage, but he takes it to the cross and knows everything will be okay. Mark has never been to seminary school but preaches because he loves it so much.

Mark England’s other passion is football. He absolutely loves to play the game, the camaraderie and the friends he’s made on the team. He has had two major knee surgeries that he has overcome. Injuries like his would have ended most players careers. Mark willed himself through tenacity and hard work to stay on the team and earn himself a starting point on the offensive line.

Most people that meet Mark think he is a full grown man in kid’s body. He is very mature for his age and it shows every time he opens his mouth. Mark accepted Christ when he was just 11-years-old. He said it changed his life at that very moment. And at the age of 13, he was asked if he wanted to preach is first Sunday night sermon.

Mark knew he needed to be in front of people, so he said yes. His first sermon lasted just 4 1/2 minutes. He said he was so nervous as he preached on “Fleeing from God.” Since then, Mark has preached so many sermons he can’t count them. He also has his own website www.markenglandministries.com.. Mark believes the Lord is moving him to do this. He says the Holy Spirit takes over and it’s awesome. He truly loves it.

Wow, so young to be so inspirational to so many. It’s a very touching story of such a young man who knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to go after it.

The Maverick Youth Club Of Amarillo Is Struggling To Stay Open

The Maverick Club, a 74 year old youth club for both boys and girls in Amarillo, Texas may close by the end of this year if they are unable to get more donations. Many people are facing hard times, or are just plain scared about the economy, so they have stopped giving.

The Maverick Club is one of the oldest boys and girls clubs in the state. It currently operates on a $600,000 yearly budget. The club provides after-school care, and offers technology, sports, and arts programs to over four-hundred children in four locations. Students also get help with homework. To many children, the club is a safe haven.

The board is trying to do everything in their power to seek alternatives that will keep the school open. But, the club has not met its monthly budget this year. The clubs funding comes from different places. One-third comes from United Way, while two-thirds comes from personal donations. The club charges $20 a years per child to parents who have the money. Most of the budget goes to paying employees. The state requires the club to keep a certain number of staff per so many kids. The club has now exhausted all of its savings and is now asking for personal donations.

Amarillo residents are known for their big hearts. So, if you live in Amarillo, please help keep this wonderful youth club open for the hundreds of children who need it so desperately. If, the club can keep its doors open through these tough times, it will be around for many years to come.

Some Amarillo Residents Are Going To College For Free

Through the partnership of Amarillo College and Faith City Ministries, local Amarillo women are able to go to college for free. The college is called Success University. The name is perfect for its cause. This free opportunity is for homeless moms. It will help them to get the education needed to support their family without government assistance.

Many women struggle to earn minimum wage while trying to provide for their children, living paycheck to paycheck, making it very hard to live without extra financial help. But, through the courses provided at the Success University, these Amarillo, Texas women will be able to find better paying jobs.

The women attending Success University will begin with college preparatory classes that will help them get up to speed with college curriculum. In the future, Faith City Ministries is hoping to have men attend classes there also, but they are currently waiting on additional funding for the program.

Amarillo, Texas also has several other colleges and universities in the area, both private and public, offering an array of classes for everyone.

Amarillo Welcomes Gustav Evacuees

Over five-hundred Gustav Evacuees are expected to arrive in Amarillo, Texas in a few days, and Amarillo is welcoming them with open arms. To prepare for the evacuees, the American Red Cross is going to hold two training sessions for disaster volunteer teams.

Training sessions will be held today, August 29^th, at 1800 S. Harrison at the Red Cross building. Each class will be ninety minutes long. Evacuees will be housed at the Amarillo Civic Center until the end of Gustav.

This is a great training class for Amarillo residents who are interested in helping their fellow Americans. Each time Amarillo has evacuees coming in, the residents have been so good about volunteering to help out. It really shows what a great community Amarillo really is, and how friendly the residents are.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park - A Must See

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must see while in Amarillo, Texas. Not only is it the state’s most magnificent attraction, it is also the nation’s most awesome scenic attraction. The park is open year round and is made up of 25,000 beautiful acres.

While in the park, you will see the most extraordinary colors and beautiful vistas, all from the comfort of your own automobile. You get to enjoy the same trails the Native Americans once used. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are very popular among visitors. There are also many great areas for picnicking. You can stay the night and camp at one of the many campsites in the park, or rent a cabin for more comfort.

Another great place to visit is the Palo Duro Riding Stables and Timber Springs. Here, you will find the finest miles of canyon. They have some of the most gentle horses around. The Palo Duro Riding Stables and Timber Springs is one of Texas’ best kept secrets.

When visiting, you can enjoy natural springs, thousand year old Indian remains, old cottonwood trees, miles of magnificent trials, and much more. The stables also offer riding lessons for beginners.

If you’re looking for some great outdoor fun while in Amarillo, Texas, whether you live here or you are just visiting, these places are a must to visit.

Amarillo Library Is Getting A Makeover

The saying “the third time is always a charm“, is very true in this case. After two other failed attempts to renovate and expand the 32-year-old Amarillo Library, things are finally underway.

This week, sidewalk work began. This is the first step in many to come. The $680,000 project will also include a change of the interior layout, new carpet and new paint.

After the project is finished, there will be twenty-four new computer workstations. That’s double what it is now. And, the second floor will be available for research. The Bush-FitzSimon collection will then be available on the first floor, instead of its current, second floor, location. The Bush-FitzSomon collection is made up of text books of early Texas and Southwest history, along with other historical documents. The first floor will also hold the children’s area, the computer area and popular literature.

The library is getting its funding from library bonds that were issued in 1999 and funds left over from other Amarillo Library’s that have been renovated.

I am happy to see that our Amarillo Library is getting the makeover it needs. It shows that our community is growing by leaps and bounds. 

Whew! Amarillo College Is Not Increasing Taxes Too High This Year

Amarillo College will not be increasing its originally planned tax rate as much as everyone thought. Because home values were higher than expected, the college originally proposed a tax rate of $2.49 higher than it was last year, bringing the total to $18.39 per $100. But in June, Amarillo College officials agreed on a $2.35 increase, bringing the total to $16.04 per $100.

The taxable property values within the college district have helped trim the tax rate this year. There is around $9.78 billion coming from property taxes within the district. That’s $82 million more that the college had budgeted for. Now, the college will not have to move money from contingencies to balance its budget. Much of the new tax rate will be used to upgrade some of the college’s older buildings.

There will be public hearings in Amarillo, Texas scheduled for August 15^th and 18^th  so if you are a property owner in Amarillo, come to one of these hearings.

Keeping You and Your Home Safe

Many times, locking your door and shutting your windows is just not enough to keep you and your home safe from intruders.  Keep in mind, when a burglar tries to break into your home, he will most likely try the front door first.  The front door is usually first choice among criminals, because it is easy to kick in with just one or two kicks.

The first thing you, as a homeowner, need to do is buy a good solid door and a strong dead bolt.  Usually, one inch is a good length for a dead bolt.  After installing your new door and dead bolt, give them a try and see how well they are working together.  The lock should completely lock into the door frame to be effective.  Also, good strike plates are needed to keep your doors and locks secure.  Make sure the strike plates on all your doors are on tight with no wiggle room.  

Windows are another item on the house that need extra security.  Make sure your windows have two locks on each window.  Most new windows come that way, but older windows usually have just one lock.  For windows with just one lock, you can cut an old broom handle and place it between the top of the window and the lock.  Remember, the longer it takes a burglar to get into your home, the less likely he will keep trying.

There are also other ways to keep you and your home safe from criminals such as keeping your fences high to prevent anyone from jumping them easily, and keeping your bushes low to give neighbors and others a clear view of you home and its entrances.  You should never leave your garage door open, not even a crack.  Criminals only need a small space to enter.   

Security systems are always recommended to keep your home safe, and many are only around $30 a month.  Many insurance companies will give you a reduction on your homeowners insurance for adding a security system.

If you live in Amarillo , Texas and are still not sure about your homes security, you can call the Amarillo Police Department to make an appointment for a free home security inspection.  I just love the way the City of Amarillo is trying to keep its residents safe at all times.

Minimum Wage Goes Up Again

Many Amarillo Texans are happy about the 70 cent raise in minimum wage, but some are still apprehensive.  Many wonder if it will just hurt the economy more than it will help it because, while there will  be extra money in many people’s pocket, there will be an extra strain  on consumers and businesses who will have to make adjustments for  their payroll increase.

Local businesses in Amarillo are adjusting to the economy and new pay raise by raising their prices, taking a toll on almost  every business across the nation.  So, is anyone really winning?  Every time minimum wage is raised, businesses raise  their prices.  That little extra money you just got is really not  there after all; especially when you consider how much is going  into your tank.

There isn’t much that can help with the situation but, as a Realtor®, I can give a little advice that might be helpful.  If you live outside of the city but work in the city, it would help your wallet a lot if you relocated to the city.  Less driving means less gas.  And public transportation is very affordable these days.  Amarillo has a variety of wonderful homes that you and your family can be very happy in.  It’s really all about making smart decisions.

Texas Is Moving Toward Wind-Power

Soon Texas will have the nation’s largest wind-power source available.  This comes after state regulators gave the go ahead to construct billions of dollars of transmission lines that will bring wind-generated electricity to Texas ’ urban areas from local wind farms.

 

Currently Texas is a national leader when it comes to wind power.  Now, by winning a two to one vote by Public Utility Commissions, Texas will be a leader in moving massive energy to urban areas that are in need. 

 

Consumer groups and environmentalist believe this is a critical move for expansion of renewable energy.  Everyone agrees this will spur other states to start their own wind energy projects.  They also agree it will reduce pollution, energy costs, and create jobs for many.

 

The plan will add an extra $4 a month on each Texas electric customer’s electric bill for several years to come to help cover the cost of the $4.0 billion project. 

 

I think this is great way for our state to go green.