TFA Fannin County logoLOPEZ FAMILY SERVICES · ISSUE 001

Threshing Floor
Weekly.

Ask better questions. Care faithfully. Take part locally.

Published October 10, 2026

Welcome to Threshing Floor Weekly. Our purpose is to help neighbors ask better questions, care wisely for what God has entrusted to them, and take an informed part in community life. Each week, we’ll bring one useful lesson for your home and a clear way to participate locally.

01 · Contractor red flags

“We’ll take care of it” needs a written scope.

A friendly conversation is a good beginning. Before work starts, it should lead to a clear written agreement.

If an estimate says only “bathroom remodel” or “repair water damage,” ask for the details. What materials are included? Who handles demolition and disposal? What is excluded? How will additional work be priced and approved?

Vague wording does not prove dishonesty, but it leaves room for different expectations. A contractor who welcomes reasonable questions makes the next step easier.

Your home action: Pick one estimate or project idea and write down three questions you need answered before agreeing to the work.
02 · Know your policy

Find your declarations page before you need it.

Your declarations page summarizes important policy information, including coverage amounts and deductibles. A home policy may have a separate wind-and-hail deductible, so do not assume every loss carries the same out-of-pocket amount.

Keep that page with the full policy and endorsements. Ask your agent or insurer: “Which deductible applies to which type of loss, and where does my policy explain it?”

Your policy action: Locate your current documents, confirm the policy dates, and ask for any missing pages.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance: Reading your declarations page.

General education only. Your actual policy controls. LFS is a contractor, not an insurer, public adjuster, attorney, or coverage authority. We do not promise coverage or claim approval.

03 · Biblical stewardship

Faithfulness often looks like paying attention.

Biblical reflection: Luke 16:10 connects faithfulness in small matters with faithfulness in greater ones. Caring for a home gives us ordinary opportunities to practice that principle.

You do not need to tackle every repair this weekend. Start by noticing what has changed: a stain that keeps returning, water collecting in a familiar spot, or a small repair you have postponed.

Walk the property from ground level. Write down what you see, take a dated photograph, and decide what needs a closer look. Thoughtful care begins with an honest record, not a rushed purchase.

Your stewardship action: Spend fifteen minutes making a short maintenance list. Choose one next step that fits your time and resources.
04 · Fannin County civics & local politics

Subdivision and drainage rules are on the October 13 agenda.

Verified reporting: Fannin County Commissioners Court’s October 13, 2026, 9 a.m. agenda lists proposed changes to subdivision regulations.

These are scheduled proposals, not completed votes. The meeting page lists supporting documents for both items.

Why read it: If you are considering dividing land or planning property improvements, it is worth asking whether the proposed rules would apply to your plans. Do not assume they affect every project.

Take Part Locally
  1. Read items 21 and 22 and the supporting documents.
  2. Ask: What changes? Which properties are affected? When would changes take effect?
  3. Check the posted meeting directions and public-comment rules before attending or contacting the county.
  4. Afterward, check official records for what was adopted.

Official October 13 meeting page and agenda.

Election season: prepare before early voting.

The county’s election page lists October 19–30 for early voting and November 3, 2026 as Election Day. It provides different sample ballots by precinct, including a separate City of Leonard style.

Your election action: Find the sample ballot for your precinct. Note the offices and candidates, read their original policy statements, and use the same questions to compare them. Confirm voting locations and hours on the county’s current election page.

Official Fannin County election information and sample ballots.

Biblical reflection: James 1:19 encourages listening before speaking. In public life, we can practice that by reading the record, asking fair questions, and treating neighbors and officials with dignity.

A closing prayer

Prayer from the owner

Lord! You are Holy! We acknowledge you and declare there is no spirit but the Holy Spirit. I pray over every homeowner that reads this, that you bless them with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Pray for blessings over their homes and families. Make your face shine upon them. Expand their territory and give them peace.

God, I pray over the people that you have seated in the offices that govern our politics. Give them eyes to see and ears to hear. Give them sound mind and reveal yourself to them.

God make your presence known in Fannin County. Let your will be done. In the mighty name of Jesus! Amen!