Ever found yourself in a place where you didn’t plan to be nor wanted to be. Perhaps you fell behind on the monthly bills, faced physical problems or were burdened by consequences of your past sins. In Acts, we find where Paul (who was called Saul before he was converted on his way to Damascus) felt sorrowful about his past and his part in the stoning of Stephen, who was the first Christian martyr (Acts 7: 57-58). We can look back and see that we’ve done things that we are ashamed of. We don’t have to dwell on our past because my hope and your hope are in Christ. We all need to let go of our past guilt and look forward to what Christ will help us become. Focus on your relationship with Him. Be like Paul in Acts 9: 6, “Lord, what do you want me to do,” then be ready to move on to a more fuller and meaningful life because of your hope in Christ. Philippians 3: 13 says, “Brethren, I count not myself to be apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Christian love and sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Glenda Webb, Lucas Golden, Bill Peppers, Margean Puckett and Mary Yoder.

Happy anniversary wishes to Jon and Amy Motes on June 11, Steve and Roxanne Chisgar on June 15, Andrew and Cindy Pulaski, Terry and Michelle Thorton and Michael and Casey Briggs, all on June 17.

Happy birthday wishes to Larry Raper on June 11; Mack Patterson and Mike Gibson, both on June 12; Pastor Josh Grubbs on June 13; Tina Lemmond on June 14; Pete Wilson and Matt Taylor on June 15; Leona Fortinberry, Anthony Rogers, Sherry Adcock and Katie Reeves, all on June 16; Amanda Austin Lacy, Glenda Lamberti, Preslee Taylor and Burgess Smith, all on June 17.

New Center Baptist Church, 587 Church Road, Hartselle, will host their third annual Independence Day Praise Celebration and Missions Fund Raiser June 27 from 4-9 p.m. A Swamp John’s meal will be served from 4 -7 p.m. The cost is $12 and music will be provided by the Fellowship Quarter and Living Lights Band beginning at 5 p.m. There will also be children’s activities. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the fun.

Proceeds will be used to purchase materials to build a house for a family in Guatemala.