Columns

“If you would just show me a sign” was the pitiful cry of Bruce in the movie “Bruce Almighty”. The irony was he had just passed warning signs and was following a truck with signs telling him to watch out for a road hazard, and then he promptly wrecked...

Hearing some garden talk lately. Was thinking it’s been rainy and cool folks were waiting. I know most plant potatoes on St. Patrick’s day and that’s mid March. But, recent talk is several have gardens out. I know greenhouse activity starts early but, most don’t have greenhouse activity going on. Several are mowing and weed eating and most yards are looking good. I met a young worker recently realized I knew his family for three generations. I appreciate the helping hands whenever I get them...

Coffee Congo Bars 1 lb. brown sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup nuts 3 cups flour 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips 1 tsp. baking soda 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup warm coffee 1/2 tsp. salt Mix brown sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla thoroughly. Sift flour, soda and salt. Add alternately with coffee, pour mixture into two 9x13 pans. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350°. Slice into bars. These freeze well and keep in containers for several weeks...

Our restaurant here in Naylor, “Becca’s Restaurant”, closed May 3. The senior center and Naylor One Stop serve lunch but a restaurant in town is really needed and people to support it. Now, that’s my opinion! I really goofed in last week’s news. I changed Betty Abernathy’s son’s name from Roger to Robert. A big mistake. Probably won’t be my last. I only know of one person that was perfect - and He walked on water!!...

I hope that all moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day. Filled with all your children and grandchildren surrounding you with lots of love. There is no greater thing, than to be called mom or dad. That is why the Lord made it a commandment to honor thy mother and thy father. Doesn’t mean you will always agree with them, but you still have to honor them. No greater honor than to show your love for all they have done for you. Many ways you may never understand or know why things were the way they were...

Another rainy day on the hill. I don’t dislike the rain, in fact I truly embrace it. I will probably be wishing for more of it come late July and August…oh well, at least my mud won’t be dehydrated! Anyone who knows me, knows I enjoy making things whether it be Christmas gifts, home décor, sewing items, jewelry or crochet items. ...

Bonny Davis felt very blessed to be able to attend worship service at Handy Church on Sunday morning. Although she still feels very weak from the ordeal of having gall bladder surgery and a follow-up procedure she is recuperating nicely. Again, she sends thanks to God for His healing power and to all others who supported her with their cards, prayers and kindness...

I am one of those sentimental saps who swallows sobs when the high school band goes by during a small-town parade. Can’t help it. It must be part of my DNA. When aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins collected at the front door to leave a rowdy family gathering, chins would start quivering and noses running as goodbye kisses and hugs started and lasted until the last car door closed. ...

Oh, Lord. Where are all the mommies and daddies? Where have they gone? They are missing. And yet they are living and breathing, somewhere. I read Mother’s Day cards “I miss you!” and “I love you!”. Decorated with stick people with tears running down their faces...

Hello to all from the wettest hill around. There must be an underground spring close by and plus all the rain has made it a muddy mess. I’ve got a crew that is going to come over and redefine the drainage ditch that I had installed around my house when it was first built. It just has to dry up some first. I was able to get the first mowing in for sister and my yard but it will need it again very soon. Everything is starting to be very green and beautiful...

We are all so thankful for the beautiful day that was granted us to celebrate Easter. Our services at Handy were well attended and very uplifting. We appreciate our pastor, Bro. Robert Brown, for the wonderful message. We trust each and everyone one enjoyed themselves and that they were reminded of the reason we celebrate Easter! It was good to have all the visitors with us from various parts of the United States. ...

Pedal Pushers, Popsicles and Swimming Pools Even though this week’s weather is rather cool,  Thoughts are of pedal pushers, popsicles and swimming pools.  Summer had arrived; there was no more school, Our backyard barbecues were reason to drool. Bowls of cereal then out the door,...

Monday was a trip to Van Buren to get medicine refilled, a few groceries, leave my Current Local news, get my chicken salad sandwich and home. Tuesday was the ARMSE meeting at Pizza Americana, Willow Springs. The crowd was small, some were sick, some were hunting and no update was given. ...

On Wednesday afternoon, April 17, seven women met at the library for Books and Coffee. Attending were Darlene Hutchison, Carol Grisham, Brenda Allen, Brenda Pierce, Zola Woolard, Genevieve Porter and myself. We missed Marie Wertenberger. Sharaya Wright from the University of Missouri extension served us a healthy snack and others brought cookies and cake and to go along with these goodies, a good cup of strong coffee. ...

This time of year, as we approach Mother’s Day, is bittersweet, to all of us whose mothers no longer walk with us here on earth.  If I take a moment and pause to look at the Mother’s Day cards, I still mentally pick out the one I know my mom would love. ...

Hamburger Casserole 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef 1 onion, minced 1 (15 oz.) can applesauce 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce, used separately 1-1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 cup minute-type rice Combine beef, onion, applesauce, 1 can tomato sauce, salt, pepper and rice. Put into a 2 quart casserole or baking dish. Pour second can of tomato sauce over top. Bake at 350° for 45-60 minutes...

How many gods are there in your life? I know, there is only one God. Leviticus 26: 1 tells us to not make idols for the I AM is our God. But as many of my preacher colleagues and myself have observed, there are many gods in the lives of our congregations...

Storms happen in life. As I right this, it is raining and dreary. The wind is threatening the shingles of the church and more than a few of us are looking anxiously at the river level. Storms can cause harm, damage and not a little anxiety. But storms also bring out the best in what we humans have to offer. ...

What is the old saying, April showers brings May flowers? As much rain as we have been receiving, hopefully the rain doesn’t drown the May flowers. As everything is so beautiful now with everything bloomed out. My Snowball bushes in my front yard always are beautiful with the white ball when they finally bloom all the way. ...

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) This is a topic people do not normally like to talk about because many lack the gift of patience. Have you ever been in a long line at the store and you start hearing people make snide comments about having to wait? People seem to be in such a hurry these days that any type of inconvenience, they feel the world is ending. ...

What is the old saying rain, rain go away. Come back some summer day. I know every year around this time we have so much rain. It just seems like this year it is raining every day. I know we need the rain. My pond is fuller this year than it has been in a really long time. ...

Brenda Lepold and a friend recently went to Kentucky to see and hear a gospel singing family, The Issacs. They have been on several television shows, so I’m sure some have seen them. I agree with Brenda, they are good. After that, they went to see “Noah’s Ark”. ...

We extend our deepest gratitude out to each and every person and family who have shown such kindness regarding the recent surgery and lengthy illness of Bonny Davis. It has been quite an ordeal for everyone involved and we truly appreciate the support we have received.  Bonny’s son Johnny has also been very ill and we are still trusting God for His intervention on his behalf. It would be impossible to name each benefactor, but we want you all to know how much each one of you has encouraged us...

Coffee Congo Bars 1 lb. brown sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup nuts 3 cups flour 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips 1 tsp. baking soda 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup warm coffee 1/2 tsp. salt Mix brown sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla thoroughly. Sift flour, soda and salt. Add alternately with coffee, pour mixture into two 9x13 pans. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350°. Slice into bars. These freeze well and keep in containers for several weeks...

Hello to all and I hope you are enjoying these beautiful spring days. I have planted a few flowers, mowed the grass a couple times and picked some wildflowers. The warmer days are coming folks, so enjoy these temperatures while we can. The New Hope youth had a great movie night. I was so tired from weekend work and didn’t make it but so glad it was a success. Thanks to the ones that made it possible. I would name you all, but would be afraid of leaving someone out...