The children who have animals have been working for several months to prepare their animals for the local and county stock show which will be coming up in February and March. Erika is holding one of the pigs as a baby. It is fascinating to watch the pigs grow so fast. The children go daily to check and feed the animals. We wish them good luck in their efforts at the stock shows

L. A. Todd passed away on October 16, 2015 at his home in Tipton. L. A. was an active member of the Tipton community, serving on the Tipton School Board, Humphrey’s Co-Op board, the 911 Board and had served on the FSA Board for over 20 years. He was still active on the Soil Conservation Board and the Tillman County Fair Board. He had worked and served on the Board for the Oklahoma State Spring Livestock Show for over 30 years. L. A. was a very active member of the Tipton Church of Christ where he served as an elder and was on the Tipton Children’s Home Board of Directors.

L. A. was indeed a busy man, but he was never too busy or sick to attend the meetings for the Board at Tipton Children’s Home. L. A. had a deep love for the children and he was that man at church services who passed out gum and mints to the children. Phyllis always had an ample supply if L. A. ran out. L. A. would want to know when a new child came to Tipton Children’s Home. He would often call the Home to see if we had a new child and he would say, “Now, I want to meet him/her.” He was one of the first people they would meet and he would usually know someone who lived in the town from which they came. The remarkable thing about L. A. is that he never forgot a face or a conversation. He knew history. But not just history of places, he knew your history and could tell you about anyone in the community or surrounding area.

He was involved in your life and genuinely cared about what was going on with you. He was an interesting man to talk with because he knew so much and he was the go to person if you had a question about Tipton. He was the man we will remember in the future because of his love for Tipton Children’s Home and his humor. But we will also remember him because he truly knew us.

L. A. is survived by his lovely wife, Phyllis and his two sons, Leigh Alan of McCloud and John Robert and wife Suzanne of Spring Branch, Texas. He left four sisters, Melba Reece and husband Max, Linda Armstrong and husband Lewis, Catherine Grampp and husband Larry and Paula Hughes. He had 6 grandchildren and 5 greatgranchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents and one daughter, Sue Ann Todd.

Justin is a sophomore at Tipton Public Schools. He is 16 years old and came to us last summer. Justin is creative. He enjoys the arts and loves playing the piano. He lives in the Hamm House with 5 other boys and his houseparents, Tony and Gabbi Chitwood.

On this day we cluster to support,
To remember, to mourn those lost at the Fort.

For right here, right now, we’ve lost some,
But remember they wanted what we now have,
What we’ve become.

For the gifts of life, liberty and freedom,
Once denied now caused a nation to grow in stride.

So fear not; ‘twas not in vain,
The sacrifices they gave for us to gain.

Remember the Love they had for their country
Remember their sacrifices, Let freedom ring!

Their war twice fought was therefore not simple,
Not vain, not pure emotion, not without thought.

Our proof through the night, still there
Tattered and torn, rugged and worn,
But Still waving in the air.

I heard an interesting concept recently about goals and how to achieve them. It’s called the “Why, What Concept”. So often we get caught up in the “what” we are doing and forget the “why”.

It is easy for us here at Tipton Children’s Home to get caught up in the “what” we are doing. We are taking children to school, going to ballgames, sitting in a doctor’s office, figuring out what to feed them for supper and the list goes on and on. Those things are the “what” we do, and if that’s all we see, then we can get in trouble with our thinking. Now for the other side of the concept, let’s look at the why? Why we do what we do? We do it to provide for children who, through no fault of their own, have been placed with us. We provide a better home and environment than where they previously lived.

Why do we do what we do? Because so many of you have placed your faith in us, and we are eternally grateful for that. But most of all we do it to introduce these children to the opportunity to have an eternal home in heaven. We have been given a golden opportunity and a God-given responsibility to lead souls to Christ. We don’t take that task lightly.

How can you help? Please pray that all of us at Tipton Children’s Home will have the strength and courage to focus on the “why” and not the “what.” It’s something we must make a goal to focus on each and every day-to focus on the bigger picture and the eternal goal. And also, as always, if you know of children in need we have beds and staff available. Please call me with any of your questions or concerns. Joe B. Waugh 580-667-5221.

At Tipton Children’s Home we have many blessings that come our way but the blessing we cherish the most is our children. They provide us with an insight into their lives and often times will bring a new perspective to us as adults. Their innocence is remarkable. Their love and acceptance of others is a reminder of Jesus’s love and acceptance of us when we don’t deserve it. Our children struggle daily with their place in life and the circumstances they have had to endure. But through it all they have a hug and a smile for those around them. Working with children is a rewarding opportunity. I pray that Tipton Children’s Home will guide them in the way they should go and give them the strength to continue with daily activities. Children need physical nourishment and a safe place to be, but they also need love, laughter and a strong relationship with adults who are willing to listen and teach.

The following “Beatitudes for Parents” was given to me by my sister. I think it is good advice for all parents as we strive to nurture and mold Christian young men and women.

BEATITUDES FOR PARENTS

Blessed are parents who make their peace with mud and spilled milk, for such is the kingdom of childhood.

Blessed are parents who refuse to compare their children with others, for each is precious in his or her own way.

Blessed are fathers and mothers who have learned to laugh, for this is the music of the child’s world.

Blessed are parents who can say no without anger, for comforting to the child is the security of a firm decision.

Blessed are parents who accept the awkwardness of their growing children, letting each progress at his own speed.

Blessed are parents who are still teachable, because knowledge brings understanding and love.

Blessed are parents who love their children in the midst of a hostile world, for love is the greatest of all gifts.

—Marion E. Kinneman (1895-1985)