Welcome to “The Little Town with a Big Heart”
Keep your fork: attributed to Roger William Thomas and submitted to Ann Landers by Kay in California.
A woman was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three months to live. She asked her pastor to come to her home to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at her funeral, and what
scriptures she wanted read, and which outfit she wanted to be buried in. Then she said, “One more thing ... I want to be buried with a fork in my hand.” The pastor was surprised. The woman explained, “In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably say to everyone, ‘Keep your fork.’
It was my favorite time of the dinner, because I knew something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie something wonderful. So, I want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and wonder, ‘ What’s with the fork?’ Then, I want you to tell them, ‘ Keep your fork, because the best is yet to come.’ “
The pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he bid the woman goodbye. He realized she had a better grasp of heaven than he did, and knew something better was coming.
At the funeral, when people asked him why she was holding a fork, the pastor told them of the conversation he had with the woman before she died. He said he could not stop thinking about the fork, and knew they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. Keep your fork. The best is yet to come.”
On Saturday night at Grace United, Tanya Purvis made a (night to remember) in Spring Blessings’ “Endless Love” presented by the one and only Angie Burks. Angie you are one of the best! What a wonderful time in God’s word this evening! Thank you, Lord, for all our blessings. Thank you for your “Endless Love.” Psalm 51:10 (KJV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Michelle Chaney, your singing was awesome, and Ms. Agnes Russell, you did a great job on the piano. Thanks to Tanya Purvis for making our ladies night happen and Angie Burks for a great message! Also thanks to other ladies who helped out!
Bro. Mike Windham was guest Gideon speaker at Grace United on Sunday morning. He was awesome telling about the work the Gideons have done throughout Newton County and all the world. Sunday night services were also great with the youth in the choir, and Bro. Jamie Leach sermon made it a great day in the Lord’s house. If anyone doesn’t have a church home your invited to come worship at Grace United Baptist, 2087 Lebanon Church Road, Decatur.
My deepest sympathy is extended to the family of the Rev. James E. Griffith. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union. Burial was held at 1:30 p.m. at Midway Baptist Church Cemetery in Carthage. The Rev. Griffith, 93, of Newton, died Monday, April 16, 2018, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a teacher and also pastored numerous churches for 60 years
throughout Mississippi.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Clara Griffith of Newton; two sons, M. Wayne Griffith and his wife, Cathie, of Hickory and Gerald Griffith and his wife, Martha, of Kentwood, La.; a daughter, Renee Maske and her husband, Ricky, of Newton; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a sister.
Prayer requests go out to the Rev. James Griffith’s family, Dannie Walker, Susan Cuchens, Makenlee Wright, Tony Grimes, Tim Stanford, Dustin Harris, Ally Gressett, Allyssa McMullan, Alana McMullan, Peggy Garrison, Scott Nunley, Donis Gomillion, Mike Linton, John Patterson, Doyle Gibbs, Doyle McMullan, Cille Norman, Doyle McMullan, Stephanie Roland, Janie McMullan and Stacy Stevens.
Shut-ins are Mary Stamper, Earline Everett and Johnnie McMullian.
On March 12, the Liberty Community Club met with Tanya Collins as our speaker. Tanya is the volunteer coordinator for Sta-Home Hospice and Home Health. She spoke about the team working together to encourage the patient and family. The team consist of a doctor, social worker, nurse, aide, and chaplain. Volunteers can help with getting to know the patient and family. They help with keeping in touch with the family after the patient’s death. Mike Dearing, president, welcomed the crowd and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mark Kilgore lead in prayer for the pot luck supper. Ruby Boutwell lead in our devotion from Psalms 31:28. There were 26 members present. This month our speaker was Michael Aycox, who is running for the Third Congressional District 3 Representative. Our meeting was at 6 p.m. April 9.
Birthday wishes for the week for April 25 go out to Angelia Bryan, Marty Stamper and (Little) Scott Grimes; for April 26 to Jenny Holyfield; for April 29 to David Tate and Cyndi McGee; for April 30 to (Chris Bond former Hickory resident,) and Mary Jane Evans; and for May 1 to Brad Taylor. Happy birthday to each one!
Recipe for the week: Lunchroom Lady Iced Brownies (50 year old recipe)
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup cocoa, 2 cup flour, 2 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 4 teaspoon vanilla,1 cup chopped nuts.
Pour in 9-inch by 13-inch pan. Bake 20-25 minutes on 350 degrees. Check at 20 minutes. Icing ingredients: 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup can milk (regular milk is fine) 1/4 cup cocoa, 3 cup powdered sugar, dash salt. Mix all together and frost as desired.
From the communities of Hickory, Berry, Sand Springs, and Mount Vernon and Poplar Springs, email or call floraoverstreet64@gmail.com or call 601- 479-9044 with your news.
