God is always there to help us when we go through difficult times. In Psalm 46:1 it tells us “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need.” In verse 10 we find: “Be still and know that I am God.” He understands about the battles that attack us. In Exodus 14, we find where Moses and the Israelites had just escaped Pharaoh and their harsh life in Egypt.

Later into the journey, they began to become discouraged and afraid and began to mumble. When we face stress and all that goes with it, we must take the time each day to be still and surrender to God.

Christian love and sympathy is extended to Michael and Catherine Woodard in the loss of Michael’s step-dad, Al Simmons and to the family and friends of Gordon Smith.

Ryan and Kayla Kretxer of St. Louis Missouri were here over the weekend visiting with Kayla’s parents, Mike and Kayla Widener. While here, they had a cookout with family and friends attending. Those attending were Fred and Evelyn Motes; Bill and Glynice Widener; Mark, Lynn and Ethan Widenerh; Lauren Simmons; Ashlyn and Landon Huddleston; Nathan and Javon Alldredge; Freddy, Rhonda, Kindred and Johndale Motes; Cecil and Jo Bomar; and Darren, Roxanne and Rachel Tucker. Ryan and Kayla shared a special announcement; they are expecting a baby in December.

Happy anniversary wishes this week to Burgess and Angia Smith on June 18, Mark and Genea Smith on June 18, Dr. David and Beth Lewis on June 19, Fred and Evelyn Motes on June 20, Lynn and Regina Morgan on June 21, Stephen and Aundra Musch on June 21, Jeremy and Dee Dee Hendrix on June 22, Tommy and Betty Dorris on June 23 and Randy and Tammy Whitten on June 23.

Special happy anniversary wishes go out to my parents, Fred and Evelyn Motes who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sat., June 20. They were married in Iuka, Miss.

Happy birthday to Garrett Roberts on June 18; MaKenna Kent, Annabell Cain, Colton Childers and J.R. Roberson all on June 19; and Turner Lemmond and Emma Summerford both on June 21.