Missing the summertime

Brrrrr! Where did my summertime go? I told someone at church last night that already I miss the warm days, and she agreed with me.
What blessings we have each Sunday. With Rusty in charge of our singing service we sang several of the old time, all-time favorite hymns, along with the specials by Ruby, Jordan and myself, opening the way for Butch's sermon taken from Genesis 1:26-27, telling about the sixth day and the creation of man, who was created in God's image. Four facts we learn from creation:
1. God created man;
2. God created out of God (out of Himself);
3. God created out of nothing. We are capable of knowing Him and worshiping Him. He gave us dominion over all the earth;
4. Because He is our creator, He deserves nothing but the best from us.
Sunday night's service began again with hymn favorite and a sermon from Philippians 2: 5-11.
 Did you notice the beautiful flowers placed in our church? They were in memory of James Bell who left us 11 years ago.
Sunday night after the service we all enjoyed cake and ice cream to celebrate all the birthdays and anniversaries of October.
We will observe baptismal services Sunday during the morning service at 11 a.m. We have several to go into the liquid grave and be sure to take note that it had previously been announced for Sunday night. This is a special time, a very sincere and sacred time, so be sure to keep a prayer in your heart for these new converts.
 On Sunday after the morning worship we had about 15 senior citizens to enjoy lunch at Rock Eagle. A good group attended including a table of our younger folks. We had a delicious time!
 Ramsey and Becky Simmons have returned from a great weekend in the Gatlinberg/Pigeon Forge area. Same for our Against the Downpour, they had a great weekend where, on Sunday morning, they led the services at Ball Ground United Methodist Church. They claim this church as their home-away-from-home and they feel blessed to worship there.
 As they've also been recording a new album this weekend they feel that God is working in great ways for them, and they do request our prayers. Last weekend they were in Tennessee where they played in the Mid-South Unity Youth Fest at Mud Island Park in Memphis, where they received an incredible response as they performed.
There were several of us that visited with the family of Diane Busbee at Caldwell Cowan Funeral Home last week. Those going with us: Betty Walker, Cindy Smith, Eleanor Johnson, Ramsey Simmons and myself.  
 Last week we enjoyed a nice visit from Theresa Moore. Then Jan Oakley visited with us and I had the pleasure to make lunch for her. And while I'm speaking of Jan, I think I have mentioned that she and her husband, Alan, are beginning a ministry and are having gospel singers the first Saturday night of the month. This Saturday night The New Apostles will be performing in the big, blue building on their property at 354 Upper Harmony Road. The public is invited. Jan told me that last month's opening brought in about 30 visitors, and that's a good start. It begins at 6 p.m. A different group will be featured each month and it's free.
 James and I enjoyed eating at the Redd House Restaurant then going on over to the Nicholson Amphitheater where we enjoyed Morris Stancil. In Greg's absence, Clarke Kesler, Freddie Smith and Doyle Cromer joined in and they sounded great. This will happen again this Thursday night, but I done went and forgot who Clarke told me would be with them. While I'm on this subject,  please remember Greg Stancil and Clarke's wife, Martha, when you pray. Both are not well health-wise. Martha is in the hospital but is hoping to be home soon. Oh, and pray for Clarke as he takes over the household and kitchen duties until Martha is well again. These are serious requests, along with those in our own church that need prayers: Virgil Bumgarner, O.L. Jordan, so many to mention, especially Jessie Comans who is home now and is so happy to be there. Her sister Bonnie is visiting and helping out for a few days. Also, remember Shannon Busbee's mother, Debora Long, who is having serious heart problems.
 Our middle school girls are looking forward to a "lock-in" on Nov. 16. We invite all girls that are interested to come and be with our girls. Starts at 6 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday morning.
 Hey! Anniversary blessings are in store for Butch and Cindy Jackson on Nov. 1st. Also our dear friends, Ruth and Cy Easters celebrate on that same day. Happy birthday to Caleb Bell and Jerry Vanwhy on the 2nd, and for Wendy Patterson on the 5th. Special blessings for our daughter, Gayle Holmes, who will celebrate on the 8th.
As we are going into November,  think on all the blessings you have and what you are thankful for. We sometimes forget how much we do take for granted, and forgiveness. I'm having a hard time with forgiveness right now.
 That's something I am thankful for, that I do have a conscience and that my Lord knows every move and thought.
 Think on this.
 So until next week, may the Lord bless you real good.

Printed in the November 1, 2012 edition