Columnist: “Yes, God used Hosea in a mighty way”

Good morning on this beautiful cold morning the Lord has given us. Are we going to get enough cold weather to kill off some of the bugs that so torment us in the summer?
Sunday began  with it being so cold, then ending up in the evening to be very pleasant with good crowds. We all received a blessing with good singing as our new choir brought forth special music. You should hear our version of "Because He Loved Me" written by our friend, Morris Stancil Then Butch brought his message from Hosea 3:1-3, titling the message: "Getting used to the dark." Yes, God used Hosea in a mighty way.
 Sunday night, also with a good crowd, Butch talked to us from Mark 1:40-45, a very familiar and loved passage.
Leprosy was a highly contagious disease, and this man was cleansed by the holy power of God. How awesome is our God.
 On Saturday night a good crowd enjoyed the special Valentine's supper with a movie, "Amazing Love." I'm embarrassed to say that this forgetful mind of mine let it slip by, but I understand everyone had a great time.
 Next Sunday night we will have a guest speaker at 6 p.m.
 On Thursday night we visited with Wayne and JoAnn Hix. Wayne gave me a new supply of his poems. I'm sure he must write at least one a day.
 This Saturday night at the Wild West Music Hall in Monroe, special guests will be Richard Cole and Sandie Stephens; March 2, Holy Reign with Bobby Allen AND the Sonrise Trio. I do not know Bobby Allen, but I do know the Sonrise Trio, and you will be in for a real blessing. From 7 until 9 p.m.
 Plans for a Spring Festival are underway, to be held on March 23. Also, plans for our BIG fundraiser, our yard sale, are going strong. We are asking for any donations. Just let any of our ladies know and they will get the word to Alice or me. Also, there will be drawings for several nice gifts to be held at a specified time. 
 Can you believe that March is about to march in, and with it comes Easter. What a blessed time of year.
 This Saturday night, the 23, at the ABC Auction in Crawfordville, Keith Arnold will be there with his truckload of meat products at great prices. Begins at 6 p.m.
 We enjoyed a visit with Al and Maudie Buice last week, where we took them out to eat an anniversary dinner. I think this young couple celebrated their ninth year together – and he's 87 or 88! Many more for you two.
Bill Lyle came by and visited with Sue Crowley and James and me on Sunday afternoon. He's our former next-door neighbor and we miss him.
 Happy birthday to Kaleigh Sidwell on the 23; Jordan Busbee, the 24; O. L. Jordan and Justin Walker, the 28; for JoAnn Hix who will celebrate on the 20; Morris Stancil, the 26. Special anniversary blessings for my granddaughter, Susanne, and Eric Bell, who will celebrate on the 24.
 We have so many that are seriously ill. I cannot call them all by name, but please lift them up in prayer. We have a family member that is near death. God be with this family, same in our church family; we have so many that need special prayer. And don't forget our military and the leaders of our great country.
So until next week, may the Lord bless you real good.

Printed in  the February 21 edition.