FROM THE TOP
LELAND ACKER chreporter@mediactr.com
I guess I should admit that I am a little sentimental when it comes to the Rusk Eagles. That is a big confession coming from a Jacksonville graduate. To date, I have covered the Eagles off and on since 2003.

My favorite Eagle team to cover was the 2003 football team. Not only was that team my first encounter with the Eagles, but there were so many good kids on that team.

Cody Glenn is playing running back at Nebraska. He's had some bumps in his collegiate career (having to share playing time with two other backs and suffering injuries), but he is still using every chance he's given to make something happen on the field.

Jordan Beard is playing wide receiver and running track at Howard Payne University in Brownwood. During a recent interview, Jordan told me he wanted to be a teacher and coach. Howard Payne is a good school to go to in order to accomplish that.

Trent Fulton went on to play college baseball before injuring his knee. Brad Guidry is playing college football at a Division II school in Missouri, after winning a national championship at Blinn.

Justin Sturns is playing at Navarro. The 2003 team was loaded with talent. It is always awesome to be a part of something when good, talented people come together and achieve success. It is equally amazing to follow their careers beyond there.

All of us have talent, some more than others. Whatever talent God has given you, he expects, yea, he requires you to use it for Him.

Jesus said in Luke 12:48, "Unto whomever much is given, of him shall much be required."

Hebrews 9:27 says it is appointed to a man once to die, and then the judgment. Romans 14:12 says we will all give an account for ourselves before God.

One day, you will die. God will then ask you a few questions. (1) How did you respond to the news that Christ died for your sins? (2) How did you use the talents God gave you for His honor and glory? (3) What have you done for God?

Whatever talent God has given you, use it. Carry it as far as you can go. Most importantly, find a way to glorify Him while you use it.

It is always great to see the hometown hero leave Rusk and do well in a larger setting (such as playing in the NFL, becoming a Nashville Star or making it in the movies.) We love it when they make us proud.

What are you doing to make God proud? Use your talents, and use them well.