Greetings, Fabulous Folks of the 40th, I do pray your summer season was a good one, for the school zones are now flashing and signaling summer has come to an end.
Though August is less than a week old, this grandmother chooses to remain old fashioned; my summer season ends after Labor Day, and I believe we would all do better to return to that tradition (especially those small businesses who rely on tourism in our great state), but that is a whole other discussion and debate.
Since my last Loop, I have conducted numerous home parties in my district.  Hearing the concerns of my constituents and getting to know one another gives me a true climate on the federal, state, and local issues facing us.
You can also attend any one of the four Coffee & Conversations held every Friday morning at 7:30.  Please call my office, 615-741-2192, for the schedule.
Do support our county fairs. Though I do not go every day, I do attend every one and have to have a corn dog; so far, Smith County had the best!
Rounding out the summer, there was Children's Music Camp, in which I conducted songwriting workshops; took a few road trips singing; spent as much time as possible with our grandboys; and am still waiting for some vine-ripe tomatoes in our garden.
A lot of activity in the district, and a very full plate, indeed.
Being where you live, work, and play is what I like most in representing you.   The season is zooming by, and we all are on fast and furious schedules.  So keeping the main thing the main thing is paramount for this busy lady.
Pieces of legislation I continue to work on in preparation for the opening of session in January include: reeling in the appalling abuse on the people's purse when it comes to the use of EBT cards; law that would protect children who are abused “inside the womb”; and the ever-alarming growth of federal government whittling away states rights, namely, in the Department of Education.
I have said this before, removing the federal Department of Education would bring back local control of our schools, and our teachers could return to what they do best--teach.
Thanks to Jimmy Carter, this onerous department is a thorn in our side! There continues to be much discussion (September 19th and 20th at Legislative Plaza), as senate hearings on Common Core Standards will be taking place on those dates.
Please take note and hear both sides of the issue.  “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”
Please get engaged and know the truth!  The more this thing unwraps, the more concerns I have.  Always the optimist, I believe we do not have to settle for this; but we need  parents, teachers, grandparents--those who are concerned for our children--to know the facts, for “facts are a stubborn thing.”
The content of what is taught in our schools will affect generations to come, and I aim to do all within my ability to regain our Constitutional right. Our framers NEVER intended for federal government to control our local schoolhouses.
Our second President of these United States and one of my favorites, John Adams, is quoted as saying, “You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom!  I hope you make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.”
Looking back and pausing to reflect on the many quotes etched on the pages of history by those who gave their lives, their fortune, and their sacred honor, reminds us there is nothing new under the sun, and liberty is an ongoing endeavor.
But today is Monday morning and with all the “stuff” going on in this crazy world, it is vital to begin the work week sitting quietly in His Presence, looking to Him, dialoging with Him, asking for focus, guidance, and wisdom from above.
Monday mornings have become my “appointment” with the One who charts my course for the week and reveals issues of the season through the power of His word.
The main thing about knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is not about the work we do, but about the time we spend with the Master and how we respond to the challenges at hand.  So be encouraged.  Take time for a Monday morning appointment.  You will be glad you did.
Blessings,
Terri Lynn