I lost a good friend this past week, Ann Bowling.  I have known Ann and Harrison many years and renewed my friendship with Ann when I moved back four years ago.  She had encountered some health problems this past year, but she had battled them with much courage.  Often she was headusher at First Methodist and would be smiling as the ushers brought the offerings down front for her.  She was friendly, always smartly attired and very perky.
I shared with Pam, her daughter, an incident about her dad last week.  As most of you know, Harrison was a State Trooper.  One day he pulled up behind me and turned his blue light on.  I thought, "What have I done wrong?"  I considered myself a very cautious driver.  My heart began to pound.  Finally, he came around to the driver's side of the car and said, "Shirley,  I like your car. Would you want to sell it?"
I sank into my seat.  I said, "Harrison, you have almost given me a heart attack.  You have scared me beyond my wits."  He laughed and said, "No, I'm serious."  I was driving a Buick Century at the time.  I replied, "No, I'm not ready to sell it,  but when I am, I'll give you the first offer."  We chatted and then both went on our way.
It's not easy to lose good friends.  I'm sure many of us have lost close friends, which we have good memories of our times together. We need to treat every day with thankfulness and tell them that we love them.
I hope you watch public television, especially WCTE in Cookeville, Channel 9; also Channel 22 for most of us. They are having their public auctions this week in the evenings.  I have submitted a gift certificate from the Country Treasures Shoppe to be auctioned.  Becky Magura and her crew will be in Smithville broadcasting the Fiddlers Jamboree next month so support this TV station, if you can.  It's good programming for all ages.  I enjoy the British comedies on Saturday evening.
Happy birthday, this month, to Sadie and Milus Driver,  children of Bert and Betsy Driver.       
June anniversary wishes to Dr. Will and Jen Sherwood, Bro. Mark and Beth Pafford, Holly and Betty Jo Forkner,  Dr. Donnie and Rita Cripps, Annette and Harry Greek, Faye and Spencer Iverlett, Mary and Frank Colwell, Linda and Hooper Judkins, Kathy and Ronnie Hendrixson, Jeannie and John Cain.  All of these anniversaries are evidence that June is marrying month.
I was glad to hear the Relay for Life event went well at the park last week.
I forgot to mention that several Smithvillians are TV stars now from coverage of the tornado that hit our town recently.  We saw Tommy Webb, Charlie Parker and Mayor Taft Hendrixson to mention a few.  I must get their autographs!
Our thanks to Caney Fork for their Open House last week. Their delicious BBQ, trimmings and door prizes us much appreciated.
Keep a song in your heart and a smile for all to see.
 Amen.