with Patsy Nobles Jones
“The dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come…But I long to meet my Savior first of all.” —- Fanny Crosby
Sympathy is expressed to the families of Minnie Lee Henley Tidwell (6-8-37 to12-19-22) – New Friendship; Billy Wayne Faulkner (4-28-42 to 12-19-22) – Memory Gardens; Leonard Wayne Welch (1-26-36 to 12-24-22) his wife, Ruth died in 2018. They had four children – Brian, Ricky, David and Sharon. I was Brian’s junior high teacher. He had excellent manners and high values – Mt. Evergreen in Iuka, Miss.; John Edward “Ed” Morris (11-24-32 to 12-26-22) beloved husband of Betty Horne Morris who died Feb. 14, 2022. Their children are Jeff, Joe and Carol, a trio very dedicated to the care and comfort of both parents – Henderson City; and Bobby Wayne Harvey (7-20-42 to 12-22-22) graduated from Chester County High School in 1960 – Unity Cemetery.
Bobby joins his siblings – Gloria Faye Ross (2-8-1935/12-3-2014), Nelson (3-15-1938/1-30-2011) and Norman (1949/59) a young boy delivering summer veggies while dashing across Hwy. 100. The vehicle could not stop. It was a sad quiet day in our community. I think of Norman often when I pass the accident area near my home. Gloria told me it was something she could not forget. They are all together. Angels are all around. Peace on this earth and in heaven.
Prayer requested for Carol Preuss; Johnny Hayes; Tera O’Neal; Willadean Maness Thrasher; Andy and Doris Maness and Jada King on 1-9-2023.
Hope Santa left no coal with Sue Wright, Lounell Grissom; Rebecca Vineyard; James Webb’s favorite sister “JWP”; Audra and Shelley Middleton; Pat Connor; Carol Preuss from Loving Paws; Janice Holland; Linda Bruntz; Paul and Ann Schilling; Damon Ross; Angie Parrish; Tommy Patterson; Deborah Harvey; Brad Brower; Joe Stanfill; Debbie Morris; Janice and Joe Wadley; Scott Clayton; Dale Goff; Harold James, Brenda Johnson; Judy Hample; Shirley Nelson; Shane Martin; Larry Lambert and Betty Parrish Haggard! Thought of you lovingly as I heard the jingles and spotted a red nose, too.
“On the Wings of a Dove” (2021) was partially printed last week. They will finish the remaining year this week. “On the Wings of a Dove” (2022) will be available for publication in a January issue 2023. Thanks to Taylor for her efforts. Without my cousin, Glenda Nobles Parchman, the wings would have fallen to earth. It is a labor of love and hard work, too. Resolution – I will try hard to keep up each day for 365 days next year.
Are you the kind of person your dog deserves? Bowie, a three-month-old puppy was euthanized by accident they said. How is that possible? In Los Angeles Co. people are in an uproar! Too little – too late. Besides in that area (from July 1 through Nov. 30), 4,000 out of 12,000 animals were euthanized. Desertion of animals is very visible. Don’t you see strays hungry and skinny? Some are mothers looking for food, so she can nurse her litter. If only there was more compassion for helpless animals, little children and elderly. The computer is full of the rising abuse to all three. Always report what you see – help is available.
This reminds me of “Jackie”. She was the stray that I fed for six-months, but couldn’t catch. On December 29, 2021, Carol Preuss walked right up to Jackie in a rainstorm. Jackie wanted Carol to follow her to her new litter. Too dangerous during the storm, but Carol returned the next morning and rescued Jackie and her six puppies (Chester County Independent put their picture in the paper). That December 30 night snow came, but Jackie and family were in a heated house with all the healthy food, fresh water and snacks one could only dream about, if you were a stray. Thank you, Carol.
Did you take time to find silence on Christmas Eve? Did you think about the Star of Bethlehem (Christmas Star)? “The wise men” from the East were inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There they met King Herod of Judea and asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” What a beautiful night sky to see all the stars that make up this beautiful world. Thank you for eyesight! “In everything give thanks.”
Another year is dawning. We have much to be thankful for each day, don’t we? Most of us have a paycheck, home, vehicle, food, clothing, Southwest TN Electric, TVA, clean running water and modern things that make life simpler – appliances, gadgets and stuff. The privilege to live in the U.S.A.with all our freedoms earned from those who fought in many wars is priceless. To know we have a Holy Bible to read in peace, to hear televised preaching or attend a church that brings us inner peace – a peace no non-believer can take away from us. Living in Chester County is security. We are surrounded by communities who are mostly good caring folks. There are more good people in the world than bad I think. I see examples many times when I am out of my home. It pleases me to see kindness done in small simple ways for children, elderly and animals. I love a giver from the heart. Kisses to you. You are an example to follow. People respond. God is nodding. May your New Year be blessed – start writing 2023.
“Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace, contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.” – Og Mandino
