I’m not sure if any of you are like me, but when it comes to following directions to put something together I find myself putting it together and then reading the instructions. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

When it comes to being a parent, we all can use instruction or guide to be the Christian parent we need to be.

King David gave his son, Solomon, principles to live by to guide him through life. (See 1 Chronicles 28: 9-10). These same ideas are ones that any Christian parent would want to present to a child: 1. Get to know God personally. 2. Learn God’s commandments and discover what He wants you to do. 3. Worship God with wholehearted devotion. 4. Serve God with a willing mind. 5. Be faithful. 6. Don’t become discouraged. When we follow God’s instructions, He will respond with more wisdom and guidance than we could ever imagine.

Once again our community has been saddened with the loss of two of our longtime residents. Christian love and sympathy is extended to: Elaine Perry, Cindy Nobinger, Larry and Tommy Hardin and their families in the loss of their mother, Mrs. Gertrude Hardin. Christian love and sympathy is extended to Brenda Maples, Jody and Brayson Maples, Kathryn Monk, Tammy Whitten, Jimmy, Avery and Larry Maples in the loss of their husband, grandfather and brother, Frankie Maples.

High school graduates! Please see Tammy Whitten if you have a child or grandchild graduating from high school.

Happy anniversary wishes to: Scott and Laura Parrish on May 12; Cheryl Roberson on May 14 and David and Sue Lewis on May 15.

Happy birthday wishes to: Bob Ash on May 11; Shelby Anderson, Beth Finley and Kevin Beal on May 12; Camden Briggs and Randall Wilson on May 13; Grayson Jones, Cindy Lemmond and Mary Wilbanks on May 15; Braxton Halbrooks on May 16 and Alyssa Maddox on May 17.

The descendants of the late Andrew and Ruth Motes met recently after Homecoming at New Friendship Church. Those attending were: Evelyn Motes, Nathan, Javon and Jarrod Alldredge, Freddy, Rhonda and John Dale Motes, Darren and Roxanne Tucker, Ray, Susan, Jonathan and Emily Ann Towery, Chris and Cindy Hill, Linda Stewart, Faye Johnson, Chris, Veronica and Wesley Tolbert, John Motes, Steve and Loretta Coleman, Kenneth and Gwen Motes and grandsons, Harrison and Mason, Tammy Galloway, Greg Motes, Buddy and Shirley Knighten, Erskin Motes, Tim and Cindy Hyatt and Gene Hyatt. All enjoyed a good time together. Those who passed away in the family recently were Fred W. Motes, Sr. and his sister, Lois Hill.

Homecoming Day is May 21 at 9:30 a.m. at New Center Baptist Church. Break out your overalls, suspenders, long dresses, boots, and bonnets and join in for a fun filled day of old fashioned ways! Invite your friends, family and neighbors, too! May 21 will begin Homecoming services at 9:30 a.m. No Sunday school. There will be a convention book singing, worship time and a Pot Luck meal. Bring your favorite dish, picking and grinning sessions, story-telling and old-fashioned games to play after lunch. No evening service.