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You Can’t Really

Michael Smith
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You Can’t Really

By Ty Hougtaling, First Baptist Church

My son was four years old when he first asked me if he could fly. I asked him, “Fly like a bird, like Michael Jordan, or in an airplane?” He said, “Like a bird.” Naturally, I told him, “No, you can’t really do that. You can jump, you can get into an airplane, you can even imagine flying, but you can’t really flap your arms and fly like a bird.”

You can’t truly love someone if you don’t know what love is. I read the book Forrest Gump and watched the movie, and it’s true: you don’t have to be a smart person to know what love is, but you do have to find the definition of love to understand it. Can you truly know what love is if you don’t know what hate is? Who gets to define evil, good, fair, or unjust? Where do we get these definitions? We can observe aspects of these concepts, but without some foundational definition, can we really know what they mean? You can’t truly know without someone telling you or some authority explaining things to you.

We have that someone; we have the authority figure who defines these things for us. His name is Jesus. He is the truth. He defines love. He defines evil. He defines justice and mercy. He has the ultimate authority to give us definitions. We don’t have to accept His words but ignoring them has consequences.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of the confusion many have struggled with, caused by poor leadership misleading either out of ignorance or self-preservation. He says things like, “You have heard it said, but I tell you…” I love the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). It is the voice of God bringing crystal-clear clarity to a lost and hopeless world. Throughout history, these chapters have been a source of inspiration and guidance for Christ followers. These teachings have radically impacted Christian thought, ethics, and social justice movements. This sermon is a timeless call to anyone seeking truth, understanding, and hope in a world that is constantly at odds with its creator. You can’t truly understand the world without first understanding Jesus, and you can’t truly understand Jesus without reading the Bible.

Business center at college supports local entrepreneurs

Michael Smith
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Business center at college supports local entrepreneurs

Staff reports

For aspiring and established entrepreneurs in Eddy County, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Carlsbad remains a trusted partner for business success. Located at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC), the Center provides low-to-no-cost services designed to help local business owners start, grow, and manage their ventures effectively.

The Center, part of the New Mexico Small Business Development Center (NMSBDC) Network, offers training and other services for those looking to start or maintain their own local business.

Here’s a look at what the center offers.

Business counseling – Entrepreneurs receive personalized guidance from advisors who provide insights, strategies, and solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals and challenges.

Business and marketing plan development – Advisers assist with creating comprehensive business and marketing plans, equipping clients with a clear roadmap for success and growth.

Market, industry, and community research – Clients gain access to research tools and reports to better understand customer demographics, competitive trends and local business opportunities.

Training in management, recordkeeping and operations – Virtual workshops and training to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operational systems, improve financial organization, and increase efficiency.

Financing and capital access guidance – SBDC advisers help clients evaluate funding options and connect with both traditional and alternative lenders to support business stability and expansion.

As part of the NMSBDC Network, the Carlsbad SBDC also connects clients with specialized statewide programs that provide additional expertise and opportunities:

• APEX Accelerator Program – Assists small businesses in pursuing government contracts through training and technical guidance.

• International Business Accelerator (IBA) – Supports entrepreneurs interested in expanding into global markets and exporting products or services.

• Technology Commercialization & Intellectual Property Support (TCA Program) – Helps innovators protect and market their intellectual property while developing new products and technologies.

Empowering local entrepreneurs

The New Mexico Small Business Development Center Network is a fully accredited member of America’s SBDC, a national organization dedicated to supporting small businesses.

Funding for these low-to-no-cost services is made possible through the support of the New Mexico State Legislature and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Eddy County, and every idea has the potential to make an impact,” said Della Bedingfield, SBDC at Carlsbad director. “At the Carlsbad SBDC, we are committed to walking alongside entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of business ownership.”

For more information about the SBDC at Carlsbad, upcoming workshops, or to schedule a low-to-no-cost business counseling session, visit https://www.nmsbdc.org/locations/carlsbad/ or call 575-885-9531.

Around Town

Michael Smith
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Around Town

Children’s Story Time

September   23, & 30 @ 10:00am For preschoolers ages 3-5 and their families. Includes crafts, reading aloud, alphabet awareness and early literacy, fun science facts, music, and more, all organized around a different fun theme each week.

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Mother Goose

September   24 @ 10:00am For caregivers and infants through age 2. This is a fast-paced program is designed to promote learning and playful interaction between you and your baby. This is achieved through rhymes, songs, short books, puppets, baby games, and more. Ages 0-2

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Toddler Move & Play

September 18, & 25 @ 10:30 am For toddlers ages 1-3 and their families. Music, creative movement, group activities, play with age-appropriate toys, and social time.

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 STEM/STEAM After School

September 18, & 25 @ 4:00pm For students in grades K-6th and their families. Each week we offer a different fun activity to put STEAM techniques and ideas to work, from LEGO building to paper circuits, slime lab, and more.

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Teen Tuesdays

September   23, & 30 @ 3:30pm Looking for a place to read, study, or just do homework and hang out? Join us every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Grades 7-12.

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 Artesia High School Homecoming Parade

The Artesia High School Student Council would like to announce the 2025 Homecoming Parade.

DATE: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

THEME: “Bulldogs Take on the World!”

OPPONENTS: Lovington Wildcats (school colors: royal blue and white)

Registration forms are available at Artesia High School, 575-746-9816. Entries received after Thursday, September 18, 2025, will be assessed a $10 late fee.

For more information, contact Jennifer Humble (jhumble@bulldogs.org) or Ashley Mason (amason@bulldogs.org)

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Artesia Stitchers

September 22, 29 @ 1:00pm The Artesia Stitchers is a group of people excited about creating through stitchwork such as needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery and more. Bring your project and come join this group weekly at the library. Ages 18+

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 Yarn United

September 24 @ Noon Whether you are crocheting, knitting, or just untangling the yarn, come and create and learn with other individuals. No matter your skill level, we encourage everyone to join us in creating with other yarnsters. (all forms of sewing and crafting welcome) Ages 18+

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Take 20 – Guided Meditation

September 9, 16, 23, & 30 @ 11:30am Barbara Britain guides us through meditation exercises to help with energy levels, reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve focus. This is a weekly program. The session is from 11:35-11:55. Ages 18+

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 Self Defense

September 20 @ 10:00am Varsity Academy of Artesia is at the library on the third Saturday of each month for a series of free community self-defense seminars. You are encouraged to attend all of the seminars, as there will be new techniques each month. This is an all ages event.

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Crafting For Adults

September 18 @ 3:30 Busted canvas art brings a whole new dimension to the world of art. Bring your own pictures or choose from the samples we provide and be ready to make the art pop. All supplies provided. Ages 18+

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After Hours Book Club

September 23 @ 6:00pm The After Hours Book Club reads the same great books as the Lunch Bunch Book Club, but we meet in the evening. So if your work schedule is what is preventing you from joining in, join us after hours. Age 18+

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Literary Lounge

September 25 @ Noon The Literary Lounge book discussion group reads books on all topics pertaining to books, literature, libraries, bookshops, librarians, authors, and more. This month’s selection is The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett. Books are available at the library and on Libby. Age 18+

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Artesia Quarterback Club

Will meet each Tuesday night at 6:30 pm at the Field House. All men are welcome to come support out football program. 

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Bible Study

All ladies are invited to participate in a lunch hour Bible study covering the book of Genesis. Bible study begins August 7, 2025 and will continue on Thursdays through April 2026.  This Bible Study is from Noon until 1 pm at the First Baptist Church Total Life Center and is perfect for working or busy women. For more information, please call Rita Derrick at 575-513-1523.

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26th St. Construction

 26th St. will be closed both directions from W. Grand Ave. to W. Washington Ave. for Phase II of the 26th St. Reconstruction project. Phase II will take approximately 3 months to complete. For more information call 575-626-6013 or 575-626-5042. 

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GUIDED MEDITATIONS

Are held during the summer at First Christian Church at 11th and Bullock on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. It is free and all are welcome.

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PHLEBOTOMIST PROGRAM

Applications are now open for Artesia General Hospital’s certified phlebotomist program. To learn how to apply and for more information on this career opportunity, call 575-736-8178 or email foundation@artesiageneral.com.

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GRIEF SUPPORT

A Grief Group meets at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday in the Saint Damien Center at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 N. Roselawn Ave. Free support is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Nora at 575-308-3248.

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P.A.L.S.

People about losing safely meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Senior Center. For more information, call the Center at 575-746-4113.

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ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP

Every other Tuesday  from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Artesia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center -1402 Gilchrist Ave. RSVP to Helen at 575-746-6006.

It’s true

Michael Smith
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It’s true

Ty Houghtaling, First Baptist Church Artesia

Matthew 28:11-15: The religious leaders of Jesus’ day tried to explain away the empty tomb by bribing the Roman soldiers who were guarding it. They devised a lie, hoping it would satisfy the Roman governor and keep them out of trouble. As Matthew 28:15 states, “So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.”

You can say or do whatever you want to keep the empty tomb from disrupting your life. You can believe whatever you want about Jesus; there is no shortage of ideas or explanations surrounding Him. You can trust that He is who He said He is, and that He will do what He said He will do, or you can try to ignore Him altogether. It is your choice, but don’t for a second try to lie about the empty tomb. Maybe His disciples really did remove His body in an attempt to make His words true, or maybe there is some unexplained and unsolved mystery surrounding the tomb’s bodiless existence. But make no mistake, the tomb was empty. It’s true.

What does the empty tomb mean to you?

What does failure look like?

Michael Smith
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What does failure look like?

Javier Sanchez

What does failure look like? It’s a question I ask myself all the time. Often the answer stares right back at me in the mirror. At first glance, failure can be defined as attempting a particular feat and not succeeding. We are instructed to believe that not achieving a particular goal is the pinnacle of failure – that when we put our mind and energy toward something we must succeed. Falling short is utter failure. But this weekend, a confluence of events made me question life, relationships, and hardship. It put squarely in front of me the conflict that life creates and a typical search for answers and inspiration. We don’t have to look very far.

A dear friend is going through a breakup. Another friend passed away. And my brothers and I finalized plans for my father’s surprise 80th birthday party. My friend going through the breakup said he felt broken and in so much pain. My heart aches at the loss of love and the loss of the only reason to live – your other half. It is easy to feel like a failure when a relationship breaks apart. Especially when it is the thing we are proudest of. Recognizing that we’re not as good at something as we thought is a tough pill to swallow. We equate the failure of a specific thing with being an inept human being.

Where I once thought my talent was my ability to lead and inspire others to be a part of something larger than oneself, I see that I’m not as good at it as I thought. In fact, I’m pretty bad at it. The very people I’m supposed to be inspiring seem more distant and lost than ever. Where once we worked toward common goals and were unified in thought and action, we now seem disjointed and broken. I thought I was a good manager. I thought I could lead people. The skills I prized most have failed me.

But recognizing failure is the starting point. It’s never too late to change and improve. Now is the time to pivot, adapt and improvise. Life is about overcoming – whether in personal or work relationships. My buddy Johnny who passed away last week exemplified the idea of overcoming. Always smiling and always full of gossip, Johnny fought to understand the world. Sometimes he got it right, but most times he got it wrong. Yet he didn’t let that stop him. He’d ask. He’d prod. Until he got to the bottom of things. Turns out, he may have gotten it right more often than I gave him credit.

It’s the “stick-to-it-ness” that matters when it comes to overcoming failure. He was feisty. He was salty. And he was determined. And I couldn’t be at his side when he passed. I know he would have been there for me. I regret that.

When it comes to never giving up, there’s my pops. He’ll be turning 80 later this month. He’s full of life and always has been. As a life metaphor – something he unknowingly taught me 37 years ago – he scraped and saved and somehow found a way to buy my first pair of hiking boots. They were expensive. They were for a frivolous backpacking trip I took before my freshman year in college. My dad wanted to send me off into the world with a good pair of shoes. He wanted to make sure I had what it takes to make that first step. I needed the strength, perseverance and tools to put each foot in front of the other.

Failure is static. It’s one-dimensional. Life and the need to overcome, however, are defined by movement. The slow and steady march toward something unknown. Our future is uncertain, but the one thing you can count on is that failure to take that next step brings ruin, self-doubt and utter darkness. Do your best to be the light in someone’s world. Overcome the abyss of failure and take that next step. Whatever it is.

Javier Sanchez is the former Mayor of Espanola, an independent businessman, and El Rito Media investor and columnist.

Artesia boys soccer defeats Valencia 5-0

JT Keith
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Artesia boys soccer defeats Valencia 5-0

It was not even close, the Artesia boys’ soccer team dismantled the Valencia Jaguars (3-6), winning 5-0 at Robert Chase Field on Saturday.

The game was moved up from 3 p.m. to 1 p.m. because of inclement weather. It is a good thing, or the game would have never been completed. At 3:30 p.m., a torrential downpour drenched the town of Artesia for over an hour, making the field unplayable.

“We won,” Jowers said. “I don’t think we have reached our full potential. I do not think we have peaked.”

Artesia (9-2) will take on Carlsbad at 6 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Robert Chase Field. The Cavemen, as of this article, are 2-7 on the season, but Jowers said that no matter who the Bulldogs’ opponents are, the opponents always find a way to play up and try to knock off the Bulldogs.

“It has not always been like that. Teams want to knock them off because they are Artesia,” Jowers said. “With us being 9-2 and us doing what we are doing this season, I think it puts us into the people to beat right now. We have never really experienced that as a program, and we are learning how to be the team to beat.”

Jowers said that whether it is a practice session or in a game, there are boys on his team who step up and do something different that surprises him every day. One of the things the Bulldogs have been dealing with lately, according to Jowers, is injuries. He said that he is trying to balance the injuries and still do what he wants to do.

JT Keith | Artesia Daily Record

Artesia’s Adan Rojas tries to keep the ball toward the Bulldogs goal.

“We are about to go on four days off,” Jowers said. “We go Sunday through Thursday, and I am looking forward to the four days off with no games. We are off on Sunday, and train Monday and Tuesday, and then pregame on Wednesday with the game on Thursday. We haven’t had many practice days because we have had a lot of games, recovery days, and pregame activities. It is fine if everyone is taking a game of nutrition and stretching.”

Jowers said that the summer is so crucial to the team because once the season starts, there is no time for conditioning to try and get into shape. The team must be in top physical condition.

Jowers said that the two biggest wins of the season were a 2-0 decision over New Mexico Military Institute on Tuesday and a 5-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday.

“NMMI and Valencia were must-wins for us,” Jowers said. “Everything is a must-win at this point. “NMMI is a 100% must-win, just because they are always going to play us tough too, and John (Barbour) is a great coach. John Barbour, when he gets those boys late in the year, they are going to be scary. They (NMMI) are a good team. If we lose to a 3A opponent, it becomes a problem, and if you lose to another 4A opponent (Valencia) ranked lower than you, it becomes a problem. The mentality is just one game at a time.”

jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1.

Concerts moved indoors

Michael Smith
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Concerts moved indoors

Photo by Mike Smith, Artesia Daily Press

Organizers of the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival had a change of venue for Saturday night’s concerts.

Around 7 p.m. in a social media post, the music was moved inside the Ocotillo Theater.

“About 100 folks can get into the Ocotillo free and see the Red Dirt Black Gold bands,” according to the Facebook announcement.

A heavy thunderstorm Saturday afternoon cancelled the outdoor version of the concerts, after sound equipment was damaged, organizers said.

Hooks and Huckleberrys opened the show, followed by Clayton Runner. Kenny Fielder was set to perform along with Cody Canada

Artesia volleyball wins Silver bracket at Zia

JT Keith
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Artesia volleyball wins Silver bracket at Zia

What a difference a year makes. What a difference it makes to have nine seniors on the Artesia girls’ volleyball team.

On Friday and Saturday, the Lady ’Dogs dispatched of the Los Alamos Hilltoppers in four sets (25-19, 22-25, 25-15, and 25-11), which put Artesia into the Silver bracket championship of the Roswell Zia Tournament against Hobbs on Saturday. 

The Lady ’Dogs took care of business against Hobbs, winning in straight sets 25-19, 25-11, and 25-16.

“I think we would have rather been in the Gold bracket, but we did not do things to put us in that bracket,” Artesia coach Alan Williams said. “We made the best of the situation, and I thought we played well and did good things.”

Williams said his team is playing better at this time of the year than last season, and that about 95% of the time, the team was getting over mistakes and getting the serve right back.

Artesia (7-1) will play Hobbs again on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Bulldog Pit. Williams said that his team is starting to be more consistent, and he would like them to be smarter. He said the games are helping them (Lady ’Dogs) learn to make the most of certain situations.

“Between now and districts,” Williams said, “I would like to see consistency and playing smarter.”

Williams said the win against Los Alamos should be good and help Artesia toward playoff seeding, because he expects the Lady Hilltoppers to win their district in 4A. As of the Sept. 9 coaches poll, the Lady ’Dogs were ranked as the No. 6 team in Class 4A, trailing St. Pius X, Albuquerque Academy, Hope Christian, Silver, and Santa Teresa. 

“We have a lot of good kids,” Williams said. “I am pleased with my team.”

Crowds turn out for food at Red Dirt Black Gold

Michael Smith
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Crowds turn out for food at Red Dirt Black Gold

Photos by Mike Smith, Artesia Daily Press

Wet streets and dark skies did not turn away Artesia citizens Saturday evening as food vendors were open on what was supposed to be the final night of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Red Dirt Black Gold music festival.

A thunderstorm late Saturday afternoon prompted organizers to cancel the music portion of the program. Stage crews dismantled sound equipment while citizens enjoyed meals of burgers, pizza, corndogs and doughnuts.

Rain and flooded streets did not keep Artesia residents from dining out on Saturday evening during the Red Dirt Black Gold festival.

Weather cancels music at RDBG

Michael Smith
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Weather cancels music at RDBG

Mike Smith, Artesia Daily Press

A downpour in Artesia late Saturday afternoon forced organizers of the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival to call off the music portion of the show.

An Artesia MainStreet spokesperson said the stage and sound equipment was damaged from a thunderstorm that knocked power out to more than 900 persons around 4 p.m. read a statement from Xcel Energy on its website.

“There have been some momentary outages on the transmission system in that area because of the storms,” said Xcel spokesperson Wes Reeves.

Vendors and food trucks for Red Dirt Black Gold would be open for the night and no admission would be charged as gates opened at 6 p.m., per Artesia MainStreet.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for northern Eddy County until 7:15 p.m. Saturday.

An NWS bulletin indicated nearly two inches of rain had fallen in some areas of northern Eddy County around 4:15 p.m. Saturday.

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