I got out early this Friday morning to get some work done.  Only a slight mist of rain in the air as I was busy trimming back some burning bushes.  I wasn't worried about that mist of rain that was falling because I knew it wouldn't cause me to melt.  If the rain had been harder that would have been a different story.  Talked with Mai Nell Melton later.  She said it was quite a foggy morning there in Smithville.  The same could be said about the mountain.  I reassured her I wasn't scared of that "fog monster" getting me.  We naturally had a good laugh at my response to the foggy conditions.

July 4th fast approaching.  May it be a delightful get-together with your family members and friends.  Memories are made that will last you for a lifetime at these gatherings on this special day.  If you're going to have fireworks, be very careful in shooting them as each year so many people get hurt from the misuse of them.  Also, animals like cats and dogs get really scared of all the noise from fireworks, so keep them somewhere else while those fireworks are going on.

I have to make a correction on Gracie Bratcher's birthday. Gracie turned "92" not "91."  At last count she had received over thirty cards for her birthday which was June 20th.  Well-wishers stopping by as well as food, cards and gifts were also a highlight of her special day.  She's blessed beyond measure.

Talked with Tony and Tracy Neal on Tuesday.  They are both doing well during this hot weather.  Also, I got to talk to Brenda Neal last week.  She is like the rest of us staying in as much as possible.

We've all been cautioned to limit our time outside doing chores. Early of the morning and late in the day is the best times to be outside.  Stanka Ferrell said she was doing fine when I chatted with her a few days ago.  She had been out early in the morning doing some weed-eating.  Donna Prater is keeping busy these days.  A wonderful lady she is.  Those of us that have lost the "love of our life" know all too well the hurt one goes through at such a sad time, but we must go on.  Keeping yourself busy can help you to survive that time of grief and heartache.  With God, the prayers of others, and the passing of time you will eventually go on living but never forgetting the one you loved so much.  If they had accepted Jesus Christ, I believe they will be reunited with their loved ones again in heaven someday.  We, that are Christians, are looking forward to being in the presence of Jesus when we pass away.  God's love for us is endless.  He works in mysterious ways and His ways are far above our ways.  He is in control and His plan for us is perfect.

Please be praying for the following people:  Dusty Johnson, Mary Melton, Diane Evans, Rose Watts, Joe Gunter, Edna Hubler, Walter and Faye Ferrell, Ruth Brown, Jeff Brown, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the leaders of our country, and the families of Karen Taylor and Wanda Faye Byford in the loss of their loved ones.

Spoke with Lincoln Sanders at the store on Wednesday.  This hot weather is bothering him, too.

Have a great day and Happy July 4th!

Set your affection on things above not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2