One thing about the weather here in the Ozarks, you can be sure it will change quickly, no matter the season of the year. Of course, this isn’t what happened this last summer with three weeks of very high temps….and soon we shall be wishing it to be summer again.
So many people are on the road this week, for Thanksgiving when families gather to give thanks for their blessings. Please do pray for the safety of all those traveling, not just for the holiday but every day. Also, remember to pray for those who are homebound, in hospitals, in nursing homes, and those struggling with everyday living.
Many of you are most likely receiving e-mail, snail mail and phone calls from those looking for support in their efforts for political office. One caller here actually had the effrontery to ask if I could donate $500 or at least $100. Yeah! Right! I guess the caller didn’t realize his call was to the Ozarks and he didn’t appreciate my laugh. A recent report indicated that 11% of people in this area are on Social Security, many living on $500 per month if they are lucky; and I have no idea how many around here are subsisting on welfare, Medicaid, and food harvest help. This is the time of year many of us are purchasing propane and fire wood, and of course by now we have all received our property tax bills – and Christmas is looming. The money vampires never give up.
The ASPCA has been begging for money and such entities as Feed the Children, Indian Schools, etc. Well, pessimist that I am, I don’t trust many of these organizations as to how they distribute funds. I do know that the Salvation Army is always a good bet so when you hear those bells, drop some change in their bucket as the bulk of what is received in Ava stays in this area.
God bless, keep well, watch out for your neighbors and drive safely.
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church from the desk of Jamey Herd: As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving I hope everyone will have family coming to see them or planning on going somewhere to enjoy the blessings of being together with family and friends. Today’s message from Pastor Carl was taken from the book of I Chornicles 16: 7-9, “What We Have To Be Thankful For”. This is a Psalm of David and very beautiful to read.
Laveta, Susie with helper Angie had 10 little ones in Children’s Church. They sang then had the congregation stand and sing with them.
Wanda Dugan sang a special and Kaitrin and Skylar gave a special playing their clarinets.
Our annual Thanksgiving-Christmas Dinner will be December 3rd at 1 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for food and fellowship.
The children will start practicing for their Christmas play. They will be performing during morning service December 18. Right after performing they will go to Ava to the nursing home to perform again for the residents there.
Several people including Billy Joe and I, had phone calls from Brother Ken Lupton this past week. He is doing very well after his back surgery. He even filled in for another pastor for Sunday morning service at a nursing home. He said he may hold Cowboy Church right in his and Joanne’s home for a time. Brother Ken started a Cowboy Church after moving to Indiana.
Business meeting was held Sunday night with much being discussed for the month of December. There will be gift baskets made and nursing home residents adopted. Our annual Wacky Gift Exchange will be held the night of December 11. December is going to be a very busy month.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone and may God richly Bless you.
