It might be hot, but it sure beats having to rake leaves!

We're way into July and where do these weeks go? Before we know it we'll be raking leaves. That probably sounds good to some of you, but I do not like to rake leaves!

This has been a beautiful weekend even though we are retired and every day usually goes as we want it. I still love Sundays and this Sunday was no exception. Butch has been bringing some beautiful sermons lately; can't doze off during his messages, you might miss something. He took his morning message from Matthew 7:13-14, entitled "Tolerant Christians are sending people to hell."

We may say that everything goes; if it works, OK. Remember that gate is straight and narrow, but wide is the way that leadeth to destruction. Jesus was not a tolerant teacher – reference to the Sermon on the Mount here – and He never gave a third option; either the right way or a wrong way, "you are for Me or against Me."
On Sunday night his message was taken from Proverbs 6:16-19. Read this scripture for yourself, it is self-explaining. We had good crowds for both services.

As always, it's a great feeling to see Mike Walker come walking into church on Sunday morning. It is absolutely a miracle what the Lord has done for this man, as his replants are still getting acquainted with his body.

Also had some good stuff happening on Saturday night. Wendy Strange became the bride of David Moss at Sugar Creek Baptist Church. It was a beautiful time with the ceremony performed by our own Dr. William Jackson. Allison Bell was the maid of honor, Caleb Bell gave the bride away, Cameron Strange was ring bearer, Jackson Strange was junior groomsman and Marlee Kinley was flower girl. This happy couple is at home in Godfrey. Congratulations to the family.
The beautiful flowers placed in the church on Sunday were in honor of Wendy and David Moss.

Ruby Guinn attended a wonderful family reunion on Saturday in Washington. There she met up with cousins and family she'd missed seeing over the years, getting reacquainted with many family members.

 I mentioned to you last week that my former neighbor, Mildred Lyle, was in the hospital with a bad stroke. I have to tell you this week and much to our sorrow that Mildred passed away last Monday. James and I attended the viewing on Tuesday night at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home. Mildred will be very much missed by her friends and loved ones,  and our sympathy goes out to Bill, their sons, David and Eddie, and their families, especially for those two precious grandchildren which they had just had the pleasure of having them down from Arlington, Va. for a couple of weeks, Burke and Drew.

This Thursday night a fairly new group will be at Beachamp's Gospel Barn, aka "The Chicken House," with Clarke Kesler and the boys. I Googled  "the Kevin Jones Family" and I enjoyed what I read and heard.
Kevin is a preacher, along with his wife Tonya and their 11-year-old daughter. I'm sure you'd enjoy this family group. Starts about 6 p.m. 

Also,  I think I mentioned last week and Ronnie Jones called to remind me: Fifth Sunday night singing at Sewell Methodist, just off the Newborn Road (easy to find). The Jonesmen Quartet will be in concert, and I, too, have been invited to come sing. You will enjoy this church family.

Yes! Can hardly wait for next Sunday! That will be our homecoming and I stress the importance to you, the friend, the former member, or members that are not active, just you, come be with us at 10 a.m., no Sunday School, just plain enjoyment as we welcome Clarke Kesler, Freddie Smith and Doyal Cromer from Nicholson as our special singers. You will receive such a blessing.

Plus, we will have "dinner on the grounds" after the Sunday morning service. And you all know what good cooks we have in our church family.

Then beginning on Monday night, July 23, our revival will begin at 7 p.m. each night with  Dr. Ed Kirscha preaching nightly through Friday night. We are taking Butch's word for it that he is a great preacher.

Our Ladies In Faith Together are already working on the Samaritan's Purse Shoeboxes for Christmas. 

So much and many activities coming up in the next few months. Don't forget, only another week or so to bring your donations to benefit our food pantry; close contest here, with the winning class getting breakfast made for them in August.

We are always glad when Gayle, our daughter, joins us for Sunday morning worship and lunch at the Buice household.
Many birthday blessings sent out this week. I believe I left off two or three from last week. Ross Arnold on the 18 and I will celebrate on the 25 along with Neal Higdon. Happy anniversary blessings for Stephanie and Sandy Martin on the 18, special blessings for Lou and Jessie Comans on the 20. Also I'd like to send my wishes for a dear friend, Reba Knight of Eatonton, who celebrates on the 17, to my granddaughter-to-be, Roxana Bollinger, of Matthews, N.C. on the 19 and to Susanne Bell, my granddaughter, on the 23. I love you all very much.

So until next week, may the Lord bless you real good.

Printed in the July 19, 2012 edition