with Vickie Ellis
Hello to everyone! Today is Saturday, April 16. It is partly sunny with blue skies and a slight breeze blowing. Everything is really greening up. I had a few daffodils this week, and they were double or triple blooms and smelled wonderful. Believe it or not, a bunny rabbit jumped up the steps and visited our back deck. First time that has happened. We also have one special bird that has returned to our birdhouse/tree house. It has a sweet chirp and song. It appears to be an American Robin. The back is brown, the chest is orange and the belly is white. He is back and forth to it now, and we hope he continues to make his nest. James made a comment, wondering how they know where this same house was from last year, and I agree -wow! Nature is amazing, but then again, look at who made nature.
I mowed our backyard, front and sides yesterday before the storms came. We still have a lot to do, but it will come when the rain ceases. Our irises look very good – no blooms yet. We have been so blessed to be spared during this bad weather. It is amazing we did not lose power last night. No trees were down, and our roof appears to be ok. It is a wonder. The weather station was reporting wind gusts up to 65 mph.
Well, by the time you get this, Easter will be over. What a wonderful blessing that we are so loved that God gave His only PERFECT Son to die for us. It is very sad that He had to endure such suffering, torture and ridicule on this earth, but God knew all the time what the plan would have to be to touch the human soul. He is not surprised by anything. We are all sinners, and yet He died for us. I am so thankful for His grace and mercy. I do hope to hear when I die, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I look forward to seeing my Lord and Savior and my loved ones who are waiting.
We had a great Easter service at Friendship Baptist Church. It began with a sunrise service and breakfast and then the regular service at 10:30 a.m. The message was “He Is Risen!” What a hallelujah blessing He did rise again! We are thankful also for the visitors and all the little children that were there and everyone else that attended. We hope you all come back.
There is sadness in our community this week. Larry Bray passed away Wednesday, April 13, after a one vehicle car accident. He and his wife Judy are members of New Friendship Baptist Church. My husband James like many others will miss their daily talks or ‘drop-in’ visits to talk and see what he was up to; many times his brother Bobby would be there, too. Their daughter Lisa is my hairdresser. Needless to say, this is very difficult. Facing the reality of death and loss of a loved one is beyond difficult. It takes time, help and being there for them and prayers. God is there for them, and they know it, but our human side does not want to accept finality. I still do not, but I do know that death is a part of life. I choose to think of myself just closing my eyes and slipping over to the Lord and my loved ones. Just close my eyes. Please pray for this family.
Another friend has been on my heart and in my prayers – Anita Lambert’s husband Larry. Also thinking of Andy Maness and Randy Maness. There are so many sick and hurting. Please pray for all and remember that we never know when it will come into our own family. We must stick together for others in need of prayers. Please let me know on my email listed if you have prayer requests or anything you would like for me to share.
Happy Birthday to Estelle Joes, 4-18; Ann Weir, 4-20; Shaun Swayne, 4-21; and Lucille Scheele and Cooper Jackson, 4-23.
Please continue to remember these in prayer: Randy Baker, Sheila Berry, Joe Bingham, Marie Bishop, Robert and Joyce Brewer, Beverly Butler, J.T. and Jeanette Butler, John Butler, Jackie Chambers, Johnny Hays, Maryann Lackie, Anita and Larry Lambert, LaVelle Page, Nancy Parker, Pam Priddy, Jesse Pugh, Todd Rencher, Donald Rowlett, Jake Richardson, Gina Robinson, Kristi Taylor, David Tucker, Tony Tucker, Adam Wise and the family of Larry Bray.
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; 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.
Hang It On The Cross – “If you have a secret sorrow, a burden or a loss, an aching need for healing…Hang It On The Cross. If worry steals your sleep and makes you turn and toss, If your heart is feeling heavy…Hang It On The Cross. Every obstacle to faith or doubt you come across, Every prayer unanswered…Hang It On The Cross. For Christ has borne our brokenness and dearly paid the cost To turn our trials to triumphs…Hang It On The Cross.” – Lisa O. Engelhardt
“There’s no storm that God won’t carry you through. No bridge that God won’t help you cross. No battle that God won’t help you through. No heartache that God can’t help you let go of. He is so much bigger than anything you will ever face. Leave everything in His hands. Embrace each day confidently, knowing that He will take care of you.” – unknown
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.
