In the Webster’s dictionary, it defines temptation as: 1. The act of tempting; enticement or allurement 2. Something that tempts, entices or allures 3. The fact or state of being tempted.

In James, chapter one, James tells us in the Christian life we are faced with trials and temptations. We must pray for wisdom, and God will supply what we need to overcome them. It’s not a matter of. If we face these temptations but when we do, if we have a positive outlook, we can turn it into a time of learning and not a hardship.

During these temptations, instead of complaining, we must see this as an opportunity to group to maturity and build strong character. God promises to be with us in the rough times, and he will supply the strength to endure them.

Christian love and sympathy is extended to Tommy and Betty Dorris in the loss of Tommy’s mother, Mable Dorris.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the sponsors, donors and supporters of this year’s Survivor Celebration dinner sponsored by Sonoco Reels and hosted by First United Methodist Church in Hartselle Mon., May 11.

To all of these special folks who took time out of an already busy day to plan this special event for myself as well as many others: Elaine Balch and Dana McCutcheon, Toby Chastain, Hartselle High School Show Choir, Tresa McGhee (Relay for Life chair), Haley Marecle (American Cancer Society staff), Lisa Demastus, Hartselle High School teachers (delicious desserts), those individuals and teams who furnished beautiful centerpieces, and Amanda Lofty, coordinator, (Division Event Support ACS). I would also like to thank the donors and their contributions for everything that you did to make it a success; Sonoco Reels, McCutcheon Heating and Air Conditioning service, Diamond Pro. Corp. (Erin Gillott), Gilchrist Pharmacy, Inc. (Mike Preuitt), Hartselle Gymnastics (Sonie Wilson), Terry Phillips, Beehive Bath House (Darla Barbee), Hartselle Sporting goods (Dewayne Peebles), Freight House (Sandra Sowder), Oh! Bryan’s Steakhouse (Bryan Hughes), Hartselle First United Methodist Church, Aramark Uniform Services (Adam Harm, manager), Dominoes Pizza (Joyce Thompson), Papa Murphy’s Pizza (James Marshall), Pepsi Cola Bottling Company (Ronnie Dukes, manager), Hartselle High School Ambassadors (Erica Griffin), Hartselle High School Performers (Kate Dupuis, Director and Connie Speegle, accompanist), Hartselle High School IRC (Jenny McFee), Hartselle Enquirer, Shoefisticated (Kalleigh Pierce), Zoey’s, Slate Gallery and Framing, The Robin’s Nest (Mrs. Shelby Glenn), Chelden’s Gift Emporium (Shelia Stewart), Phil Waldrep Ministries (Debbie Waldrep) and Mollie’s Monograms (Susie Balch).

Again, thank you all so much for our special evening. For more information on the American Cancer Society or Relay for Life, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Jared McKelvy, Jason Ferrell and Sylvia Watts on May 21, Matt Legg, Berta Wilson and Brendon Shadden on May 22, Mike Carlock, Zaine Suggs, Sheila Davis, Jim Roberts and Kris Speegle on May 23, Callie Rae Childers on May 24, Jane Swearengin and Sandra Boyd on May 26 and Mickey Brown on May 27.

Happy anniversary to Milford and Faye Cobbs and Wesley and Connie Motes, both on May 23, Mike and Donna Carlock on May 24, Vic and Von Keeling, JR and Janice Roberson and Mike and Kaye Widener on May 27.

Sun., May 17, was Homecoming and Decoration Day at New Center Baptist Church. The following is in memory of friends and loved ones of the church family, community and family members since the last homecoming day:

May 2014, Buford Burton, Lisa Pollard, Jean Kreps Thomas. June 2014, Dorsey Blankenship, Colleen Vines Reeves, Austin Cook. July 2014, Thomas (Tommy) Milam III, Hughes Holmes, Bo Burns, Kallie Cook, Aline Dunlap, Marie Lorance.

August 2014, Corey Drake, Austin Taylor, John Speegle, Tessie Brock, Imogene Smithson. September 2014, Dakota Cocke, Betty Mitchell, Pam Doran, Keith Blake, Marjorie Hipp, Robbie Clemons Coffey. October 2014, Doug Chandler, Linda Plemons Hoppe, Mike Semich, Mildred Blankenship Schrimsher, Paul Ballew, Edgar Van Blankenship, Ben Doud and Ken Swann. November 2014, Marie Barnes, Robert Earl McCaig, Dorothy Hamilton. December 2014, L.Q. Harrison, Melinda Ashcraft, Frank Hanners, Floyd Ray Sturdevant, Curly Mann, John McLendon, Dwight “Mac” McSwain.

January 2015, Mike Harvey, Tim Smith, John Beausang, Robert Christy, Kenneth Ray Floyd, James Howard Tolbert, Chuck Cathers, Shana Howard, Arlis Anderson, Estelle Simpson, Anna McClain. February 2015, Norma “Corky” Terry, Carolyn Logan, Rev. Curtis Stanford, Letrell Montgomery Walter Vest. March 2015, Buddy Atkinson, Wayne Coggins, Troy Moore, Glen Stover, Mike McGuire, Ella Dean, Baby Dalton Hardigree.

April 2015, Margaret Jett, Kelly Charest, Agnes Briggs, Freedie Henley, Sid Martin, Jimmy (Bo) Beavers, Jean Johnson, James “Jim” Schrimsher, Oscar Lawrence. May 2015, Wayne Halbrooks, Jewel Puckett, Mary Ruth Townsend, Mable Dorris.

Congratulations Class of 2015. The following high school graduates are either members of New Center Church or relatives of a member: Benny Brown from J.B. Pennington High School is the son of Wayne and Vanessa Brown and the grandson of Jack Pass and Mae Brown. Zach Jansen from Brewer High School is the son of Steven and Stephanie Jansen. Victoria Ann Matthews from Priceville High School is the daughter of Philisha Stevens and Stephen Matthews and the granddaughter of Olen and Norah Byrd and James and Veronia Matthews.Ty Rayman of Brewer High School is the son of Kris Carpenter. Garrett Roberts from Brewer High School is the son of Jim and Pam Roberts and the grandson of Cleo and Shelby Higdon and Martha Roberts. Brooklyn Nicole Speegle from Hartselle High School is the daughter of Kris Speegle and the granddaughter of Roger and Linda Speegle. Rachel Caroline Tucker from Cornerstone Christian is the daughter of Darren and Roxanne Tucker and the granddaughter of Fred and Evelyn Motes and Martha Tucker Siverling.

As you begin this new phrase of your life, seek God’s guidance and direction for your life.