By Lois Harper

A very good week to you February 11 and a sunshiny start. Uncle Remus said O what a beautiful day, I feel like everything going my way. Certainly one sign of spring is the migration of birds reappearing and I noticed the thrift is blooming in my neighbor’s yard.
Growing up about this time of the year and until April my brothers were wishing warm weather would come soon, easing woodcutting to stove length for cooking. Now it’s wishing when high gas bills can be eliminated. Soon the leaves will appear again on the trees bringing to mind this found in our church’s Mature Living magazine.
My family tree is part weeping willow, “All gone now, and part knotty pine, guess I’m the only survivor” boasting wild cherries and quite a few nuts. Brother Robert and I fought like cats and dogs about running Mama batty through harsh depression days, droughts. We became strong and rooted, I am part of that as long as my own roots are grounded in Christ, always being part of His flourishing vine some day seeing them, gathered together up there and a very tiny angel among them. My branch will have to be strong until in every way, until then, working in God’s will. In memory.
Town Topic
Weekends the bike riders are gathering at the park a lot.
Neighborhood Notes
We hope Betty Conner’s foot soon gets healed, very painful now.
Little Scott Chamberlain celebrated his third birthday with a party at his home. Congratulations.
Neighbor Justin, McCall and Scott have recently been under the weather.
Kaye Evans has returned home and her parents are with her for now.
May the time come soon when Philip Messer can be back on both feet.
Pray for David Hughes in his back problems. He is the grandfather of my great grandson Trenton Preston. Debbie had some kind of foot surgery not so long ago and I hope she’s recovered, remember her also.
Last week I requested if anyone had seen or had a brown dog it is black, seven months old and is a Chihuahua named Shimmer. It belongs to Summer Preston, my great-granddaughter who has asthma. The dog was lost from 214 West Main Street a week ago. If you have info about this call 706-557-2672 or 706-342-1555.
Saturday, February 9, the adults had a laughing time at our Valentine party. After a delicious supper Steve Blanton did his magic act with scarves and newspaper. Russell Smith imitating Loretta Lynn using one of her songs brought the house down in laughter, hilariously with around 50 attending. Thank you Russell for the very enjoyable time. We have a senior chapter in our church with the fourth Sunday in the month as our choir day. This month our outing will be attending the senior banquet at New Hope Baptist Church at 6:30 in Greshamville February 23. If needing transportation we will use our church van, covered dish event.
Baptist Church Notes
We had almost a full house for the 11 a.m. service. The old beloved hymns about the blood Jesus shed through torture and injury to redeem us never loses its power. The choir special music reminded that Jesus is coming soon.
Wayne’s sermon was taken from Genesis and Luke continuing on Jesus taking our sins to the cross suffering for us. Mary His mother stands weeping seeing her son hanging there. In His suffering Jesus did not leave her alone saying woman observe thy son, a disciple chosen, who immediately took her under His protection and care. Jesus had brothers and sisters but remember they didn’t believe until after the resurrection.
From the cross Jesus emphasized honoring our mother, tending to them.
In the evening service Gerann, Phyliss and Wayne opened then Gerann and Phyllis sang on “Heaven’s Avenue,” our favorite.
Wayne brought another powerful sermon, “Walking with God,” holding His hand to stand the test and strife, growing daily.
We seldom live to be hundreds of years old like Noah, Enoch and Abraham walking with Him but short or long here on earth for us cling to His loving hands.
The Homeland Boys will be our special guests as this Sunday, February 17 is a special time as we honor Wayne and Lorrie for being with us 15 years – Pastor Appreciation Day.
Lastly – Thought for the week – Contentment lies in wanting few things.