with Vickie Ellis
Hello to all! We are almost half way through the year! Can you believe it? It was very warm and humid Sunday with a “feel like” temperature of 94. I enjoy some things about summer, like the smell of freshly mowed grass, birds, flowers, green trees, hearing children playing, picnics (if it is not too hot), watching ducks and other wildlife and butterflies which are minimal at our house at this time. I heard someone else say they have not seen many butterflies. Maybe I should have planted lantana after all. We mowed a week ago, and it will need it again soon. The skies are the prettiest blue today with white puffy clouds shaded with various grays. There is a chance of rain most days next week.
This is the day the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it! I really do not have much news this week, and this will be my first effort at this topic. I know religion and politics are said to be off base, but after the sermon Sunday morning, I have decided that this is something I NEED to do. I see and hear a lot about Christians and how we should all fight for our rights. Many do; many pray and others just let those that will do. Now, I also wonder how many of the same people attend church. Many churches are having less attendance and participation. Why? I am sure there are a multitude of answers, but are they justified? Some work, and that is understandable to me in this time of life. I am not judging those who do not attend, but I am speaking from my perception and my experience. I see many on Facebook asking for prayers for various things, and cancer is usually number one. I do pray for these requests and am thankful I can and that they know where their help comes from – the Lord! Think of every day we are well; wake up every morning – many can not do that. We all fail, but we can get back up and start over. Think about the time you avoided being in a wreck, your child survived something horrible, you got the job you so needed or wanted or someone called to check on you when you were at your lowest. These were acts of God. God puts things on other’s hearts and intercedes for us always. He never lets us down. I feel like sleeping in sometimes myself, but I know how much God loves me and does for me. We have a son that was killed at age 14. I went to therapy and was off work for six months, but I will say God is the reason I am still here. There have been many things that have come up in our life that can test anyone’s faith, but I pray to remain strong regardless, knowing where my help comes from. I hope this gives food for thought to whoever needs it. Again, I am not judging. I am just sharing from my heart. God loves us all so much, and I can not seem to grasp how an hour or so a week can not be given to Him. I also know that people say some churches are hypocrites, but I have heard the flipside of what better place for them to be? We are all sinners, and we make choices. I depend every day on the Lord. I also remember to be thankful and let Him know it. He wants a relationship with us, not just lip service. I pray you all have a great week and, again, please do not take offense on this topic because it comes from my heart and my world. I hope to see you in church Sunday.
Happy birthday to Hope Butler and Jaxon Richardson, 6-27; Jonathan Knipper, 6-29; Bill Wood, 7-1; Kole Knipper, 7-2; Phyllis Wood, 7-3; Carla Berry, 6-27; and Mason Connor, 6-28.
Happy anniversary Bro. Glenn and Judy Harris, 7-3.
Please continue to remember these in prayer: Jerry Bain, Denise Armstrong, Sheila Berry, Charlie Brewer, Robert and Joyce Brewer, J.T. Butler, Jackie Chambers, Walter Cooper, Wood Deming, Rachel Ellington, Nancy McCaskill, LaVelle Page, Beth Plunk, Pam Priddy, Jesse Pugh, Logan Rencher, Donald Rowlett, Randy Sells, Dalton Seratt, Missy Seratt, David Tucker, Tony Tucker, Adam Wise and Jo Willis. 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. Prayer is not an obligation; it is the greatest privilege we have. Pray yourself through each day.
“Walking with God doesn’t mean You’ll never struggle. WALKING WITH GOD MEANS YOU’LL NEVER STRUGGLE ALONE.”
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.
