Texas Freemason Magazine

By Bros.  A. L. Kress and R. J. Meekren - From The Builder Magazine - October 1926 Sourced by Brother Martin Solis, Staff Writer "The Precious Jewels" is an in-depth look at the etymology of the use of the word "jewel" in modern Freemasonry.  I find it to be a fascinating insight as to how over time something as simple as a possible tongue-in-cheek reference to working tools as "play things" can evolve into an ornate representation of said "play things." As the article continues it goes into the many "lost in translation" changes made to the work during the transition from England to Modern American Lodges and convincing evidence of original interpretations of many features and furnishings of a typical lodge. The Masonic usage of the word jewel has doubtless struck many a brother as not a little peculiar upon his first introduction to the traditional phraseology of the Craft.  What is possibly its most familiar application, that of desi...

By James C. “Chris” Williams, IV, Staff Writer - The Profound Pontifications of Brother John Deacon I have learned in my old age (and sometimes the hard way) that some things are just meant to be.  Or as my Dad would say…”It is what it is” or if he was especially philosophic “if it is inevitable, relax and go with it.”  At any rate I have decided that John being a big part of my life IS inevitable so I might as well relax and go with it.  It’s a good thing that I like him because if I didn’t, it would be really bad cause he seems to show up everywhere I go.  Pam and I had been invited to one of her co-worker’s wedding.  It was being held on an old ranch about an hour’s drive north through the beautiful Texas Hill Country.  It wasn’t a big wedding, but it wasn’t small either with about a hundred people there.  The weather could not have been better for the outdoor wedding and everything was, as Pam whispered to me while wiping away tears, “absolutely b...

 By Chad LaGrone, Grand Chaplain E.T.S How many of you are familiar with the acronym, E.T.S?   This is not a Masonic acronym or a sports channel like ESPN.   This phrase has its roots in military context, particularly with the marines that were in country during the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom; but has found its way to the civilian world in gyms, corporate board rooms, police departments, and so on.   My personal favorite setting to use this phrase is in my home, when doing life with three teenagers.   This phrase is “Embrace…the…suck.” EMBRACE THE SUCK It means to accept and endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with a positive or determined attitude.   My children will tell you that this is not one of their favorite “dadisms” that I share with them.   As a father, I will listen to their gripes about school, their friends, their siblings, and I will empathize for them for each instance.   However, if they choose to keep on with the same g...