Inspiration for the week: Heaven’s Grocery Store
I was walking down life’s highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read, “Heaven’s Grocery Store.” As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere. One handed me a blanket and said, “My Child shop with care.” Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store, and all you can’t carry, come back the next day for more.
First, I got some Patience, Love was in the same row. Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go. I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith, I just couldn’t miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place. I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race, but then my blanket was getting full, and I remembered I needed Grace. I didn’t forget Salvation, which like the others was free, so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do my master’s will. As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin. Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf. Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the Angel, “How much do I owe?” The Angel smiled and said, “Just take them everywhere you go.” Again, I politely asked “How much do I really owe?” The Angel smiled again and said, “My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago.”
Services at Grace United were awesome during both services. Vacation Bible school at Grace United begins June 25 through June 29.
My deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Susan Cuchens, 62, of Newton.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Randy Cuchens; two daughters, Jennifer Wooten and Jessica (Josh) Jefcoat; four granddaughters, Hannah Brooke Wooten, Ella Jefcoat, Avery Jefcoat and Mary Leigh Wooten; her mother, Betty McNab; her sister, Louise Carrier.
However, most importantly, Susan was a faithful and committed disciple of Jesus Christ and lived her life every day to bring honor and glory to God. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Newton, and served the Lord in so many different ways through her church family. She was indeed a “Proverbs 31 Woman” and her sacrificial love was demonstrated daily for her husband, her daughters, and her granddaughters.
All of the family was blessed in numerous and meaningful ways by her Godly wisdom and Christian character. To really know Susan was to see Jesus, because though she was not perfect, she reflected Him every day through her attitude, words, and actions. It is also true that she had many “best friends,” because she did her best to love each of them dearly! She will be remembered most for her character, her integrity, her grace, her gentle spirit, her patience, her humor, and her ever-present, sweet smile.
Through every victory, she was quick to give God the glory! Through every challenge of life, she demonstrated the attitude of Jesus Christ, including this most recent battle with cancer. She assured us as a family with these words from her Savior: “Father, Thy will be done!” In her own words, all Susan ever really wanted was for “Jesus to use me for His glory.” That was a reality throughout her life and is now a reality in death! To God be the glory for the gift of Susan Cuchens!
My deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Stamper, 89. Mary was a devoted Christian and loving mother to her family. Mary and Robert Stamper will be remembered by many as owner and operator of R.E. Stamper Service Station and Grocery in Hickory for 25 years. She will be truly missed by her friends, family and all that knew her.
She is survived by children, Cynthia Spears (James), Clifford Stamper Sr. (Sandra), Mary Gail Jones (William) and Marty Stamper; eight grandchildren, Carrie Gressett, Skip Stamper, Brandi Jones, Derrick Jones, Ashley Balliet, Christin Stamper, Chase Stamper and Jamie Spears; 14 great-grandchildren, Ashley McCormick; Allyson Gressett, Cody Gressett, Skylar Balliet, David Lee Balliet, Bella Grace Jones, Aubrey Jones, Hanna Harvey, Tripp Stamper, Lilah Stamper, Max Stamper, Nathan Spears, Logan Spears and Allie Spears; a great-great- grandchild, Carter McCormick and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Stamper. Burial at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.
My deepest sympathy is also extended to the family of Clara Mae Nazary Griffith, 92, of Newton. Survivors include a daughter, Renee Maske and her husband, Ricky, of Newton; two sons, M. Wayne Griffith and his wife, Cathie, of Hickory and Gerald Griffith and his wife, Martha, of Kentwood, La.; eight grandchildren, Paige McKinion and her husband, Terry, Kelly Hollingsworth and her husband, Barry, Brooke Griffith Sibley and her husband, Aaron, Marie Sykes and her husband, Stephan, Melanie Harrell, Brian Maske and his wife, Meredith, Cristi Bishop and her husband, Garrick and Austin Maske and his wife, Hannah; 16 great- grandchildren; four sisters, Betsy Pulliam, Joy Nazary, Dot Vowell and Patty Chancellor.
Ms. Griffith was preceded in death by her parents, B.H. and Sudie Mae Nazary; her husband, the Rev. James E. Griffith; and six siblings. Pallbearers will be Terry McKinion, Barry Hollingsworth, Aaron Sibley, Stephan Sike, Garrick Bishop, Austin Maske and Brian Maske. Burial was at Midway Baptist Church Cemetery.
Prayer requests go out to Tony Grimes, William Billy Lon Spencer, Susan Cuchens’ family, Mary Stamper’s family, Clara Griffith’s family, Brian Kelly, Makenlee Wright, Ally Gressett, Allyssa McMullan, Alana McMullan, Peggy Garrison, Donis Gomillion, John Patterson, Doyle Gibbs, Doyle McMullan, Cille Norman, Stephanie Roland, Janie McMullan and Stacy Stevens.
Shut-ins are Earline Everett and Johnnie McMullian.
Birthday requests for June 13 go out to Joyce Elliott and Kim Lawson; for June 15 to Clint Wallker; for June 17 to Bryce Lane; for June 18 to Chase Cook and Elaine Presley; for June 19 to Shawn Strait, Ashley Stamper and Grace Bonner in memory.
Anniversary requests go out to June 13 to Madison and Louise Overstreet in memory; and for June 18 to Jake and Jo Veenstra.
Receipe for the week: Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups butter, softened, 1- 8 ounce package Cream cheese, softened, 3 cups sugar, 6 large eggs, 1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon salt.
Directions: Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating 5 to 7 minutes.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until yellow disappears. Add vanilla mixing well. Combine flour and salt, gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended after each addition.
Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Fill a 2-cup, ovenproof measuring cup with water; place in oven with tube pan.
This will help keep the cake moist. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.
Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes; remove from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack. Glaze-1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon milk, to consistency.
Mix together till desired consistency is reached, but should be thin.
Add more milk one teaspoon at a time to get the thinness you want.
Drizzle over cooled cake.
From the communities of Hickory, Berry, Sand Springs, and Mount Vernon and Poplar Springs, email: floraoverstreet64@gmail.com or call 601-479-9044 with your news.
