with Vickie Ellis
Hello to all! Sunday was cloudy with the winds coming from the northwest at 13 miles an hour. It was chilly at 45 degrees. The first month of 2021 is already gone, and February is here. March 14 will be daylight savings time. I imagine some of you wonder why I mention weather most times. Well, my daddy worked in the weather as a carman for the GM&O RR. My husband worked in commercial construction for many years, and the weather was always a factor, so I guess you could say it is ingrained in me. I look at the weather forecast as a gauge ahead, not something written in stone. Next weekend, it is calling for cold temperatures and the possibility of snow. We shall see. It is my hope that this past week has been kind to you. I am watching our happy finches come and go from our feeders as I write. I am thankful for everyday and the blessings God gives us. We all have hills and valleys but God will help us through the hard times.
We have had very sad news in our community. Darla Gaugh, a member of Friendship Baptist Church, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 29. She was a very sweet person with such a sweet smile. She visited around in church before the virus and visited with fellow church members. She helped with many things at the church, including vacation bible school. She leaves her mom, Doris McKinney, and several siblings to continue their journey of life here without her until they meet again. Her stepdad, Owen McKinney, passed away a few months ago; now Doris has lost both a daughter and husband in a short time span. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. There are so many who are missing you now, Darla, and are very sad at our loss. We will see you again.
Johnny Hayes has been in the hospital and is now at Henderson Health and Rehab to get stronger and go home. Doris Maness had a very bad health scare a few days ago. Doris Sells had a scare but is home and okay. Prayers are requested for all.
Sickness and death are part of life, but it sure can knock the wind out of us. Our hope and faith in the Lord will carry us through until our time comes. I know. I have lost my mother, daddy and a son. It is a darksome path to travel, but I find thankfulness in each day that God is with me. He provides, loves, guides and protects us. I could never make it without Him. I also could never repay Him, but I can let others know about Him and all He has done for me and that he is there for them. Until I die, I will stand for my Lord.
Happy birthday to Billy Joe Seaton, 2-3; Jessie Fisher, Kayla Barham and Katelynn Pratt, 2-4; Mallory McKinney, 2-5; and Branson Butler, 2-6.
Happy anniversary to Allison and Dalton Roe, 2-3, and Elaine and Paul Bozza, 2-4.
Please continue to remember these in prayer Lynn Allen, Randy Baker, Denise Armstrong, Sheila Berry, Charlie Brewer, David Brewer, Diane Cross, Johnny Hayes, Danny Jones, Nancy McCaskill, Andy and Doris Maness, LaVelle Page, Pam Priddy, Jerry Rogers, Jim Ruth, Doris Sells, Paulette Sells, Dalton Seratt, Kenny Stevens, Kristi Taylor, Nancy B. Taylor and the Darla Gaugh family. Also, please pray for our military, law enforcement, our country and its leaders, those affected by COVID and first responders. There are many sick and hurting. Please say a prayer for those; even if you do not know their name, God does.
“New Month New Blessings” – “Always keep hope in your heart. Love what you have/Need what you want. Accept what you receive/Give what you can. Let go of what is gone/Be grateful for all you have/Focus on what’s in front of you and look forward to what’s to come/Never Give UP.”
I pray you all have a wonderful week, and may it be filled with love, joy, peace and blessings. Remember: if you have news, please email me at mimmiepots@gmail.com. I would truly appreciate any news. People from here and those who have moved from our area but still want to keep in touch through the newspaper are hungry for news from home.
Until next week, Happy Trails to You.
