When I was a child, mine was a family of believers but they did not attend any church. Starting at age four I was sent each Sunday with my sister (age seven) to the Church of Christ as it was within walking distance of our home, several blocks of Los Angeles streets. I don’t recall my parents ever attending that church. At age 11 with my father’s permission, I was allowed to travel by streetcar to attend a Lutheran Church and my parents did attend my Confirmation. Seven years later I joined the Catholic Church and was nearly disowned by my family. So, you see my religious background has been varied.
Over all those years and in these churches I’ve noticed one huge similarity. It seems that although many people attend weekly church services, the numbers double or more on Easter Sunday. It is strictly my opinion, that true believers seek communion with our Lord in a church at least once a week and through prayer daily, whether alone or in a group. Good deeds are also a good way of expressing one’s faith and provide an example to others. We are not to judge others lest we be judged. However, it brings up questions in my mind and encourages me to pray for others that their faith be strengthened and that I not be judgmental.
Well, have your gardens and ponds received enough rain? Now, if we receive a bit of sun/warmth, the pastures and hayfields should flourish. In no time at all we shall be praying for rain once again. That is how it goes in these Ozarks.
On Easter Sunday we had quite the gab fest at my place. One tale I should have related is that my son, Rory, was at the home of his father-in-law. Over a hundred mushrooms had been gathered as they were having a mushroom fry with the bounty of their hard labor. About 100 mushrooms were fried and ready to be devoured when my son’s foot accidentally sent those mushrooms everywhere. Rory was not the hit of the party.
We are looking forward to Mother’s Day at St. Leo’s as we will also acknowledge our graduating seniors, three upstanding youth. Recently we acknowledged our four Honor Society students. Then, on May 15th we will have four young boys receiving First Communion, one of whom is my great grandson, Justin. Much for us to celebrate for sure.
I’ve not heard of anything unusual around here. Last Tuesday when I went for a CT scan in Springfield it is a good thing Randy did the driving as he found detours around flooded roads. Pray for those who have been sorely affected by the rains, for those who have lost loved ones, homes and jobs due to the record breaking disasters. I pray you are and stay safe and well. I ask you to pray for our nation as we most likely will be the target of those who follow twisted Islamic leadership, more so than in the past. I would rather that Bin Laden had been captured but then, an international circus would have followed.
From the desk of Jamey Herd: Another wet week here on Dogwood Hill. The old timers said if it rains on Easter Sunday it will rain for seven Sundays straight. I am glad we haven’t put any garden out as I am sure it would have all drowned or rotted. So far since April 22 we have received about 15 inches of rain.
Pleasant Ridge had good attendance and Pastor Carl brought the morning message, “Listen To God’s Voice” from the books of Hosea 1:1-7 and Mathew 2:15. We missed Laveta Ray in the morning service as she had gone to Branson to a Ladies Conference. Susan Dugan took charge of the Children’s Church and had 11 children. Wanda Dugan sang a special, “When the Saints Go Marching In”. Special prayer was given for better health to Erma Cudney who has been quite ill.
Next Sunday we will be celebrating Mother’s Day at Pleasant Ridge. Remember your Mother on this special day.
That is all the news from here this week. God’s Blessing to Everyone.
