Some days there is just not enough coffee in the world to make the day any better. We don’t have an IV at the office but there are days I wish we did. Coffee just seems to make things better but starting the day off right with God is even more important. Even on those days when coffee is not working for me God is still good all the time and I’m thankful to be upright and breathing.
Seems like lately the weather is on steroids! One thing you should have realized through all of this is that even the weather people aren’t sure and they aren’t in control. God controls the weather.
There has been lots of rain everywhere which has brought flooding. It is said that April showers bring May flowers, so we shall see. My garden sure is loving the rain. Using raised beds this year which you need to water more, so I’m thankful for the rain.
Patti Temple, the chamber and Historical Society are gearing up for the annual Jugfest, so be on the watch for activities around this event. We will be doing a special section again and hope local businesses will participate. Patti does a great job and we really appreciate her and everyone else who volunteers and gets things done.
Congratulations to the new Planning and Zoning Director, Jake Watson. Jake is no stranger as he was once the EMA director. I’ve known him for a long time including from his restaurant manager days and Jake, is, in my opinion, a good guy. He’s very well-rounded and capable and it’s great to see him in that office. He hit the floor running, I was told.
At last week’s joint meeting of the city and county to discuss the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), Brenda Carrol was in attendance as was Lesley McNary from the Development Authority. Lesley is energetic and very interested in moving the county forward. Was great to see Brenda looking so well these days.
If you haven’t tasted the strawberries at Dickey Farms this year, what are you waiting for? They are really sweet. It’s worth the trip just to get some ice cream. You don’t need an excuse for ice cream ever, I say!
The city’s new police cars are certainly an asset. Brand spanking new and you helped pay for them with SPLOST funds. Congratulations to the city on the cars. Chief Ty Matthews’ smile seems broader these days because of the cars.
There is some talk of a new business or two coming to town and that would really be exciting. We really need to support these local businesses. You don’t have a right to complain if you don’t support them. Lack of support is one reason the grocery store left. Other options are in the works, but whatever transpires will need support. Take pride in your community and support businesses, including this newspaper. We are also a small, local business.
Next week is the National Day of Prayer and all of us certainly need to be on our knees praying more. America needs more prayer than ever.
Our government cannot fix us and politics does anything but heal us. God is the only thing that can. If you believe anything else you will never feel whole or peaceful.
I am one of those who is grieving over the division in our country today. It is winning on many fronts and there are some who pat themselves on the back for being part of the division.
Division/disunity, does nothing to honor Christ. In fact in Luke 11:17, Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction and a house divided against itself falls.”
As Christians, we are not exempt from this principle and neither is America, our family, church, business or friendships. If you know a subject is divisive, then perhaps, at this point in time, it shouldn’t be discussed until things settle back down. You certainly shouldn’t be adding fuel to the flame. My grandmother always said the more you stir something, the more it smells and that is the way it is today. If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.
We can be a part of the solution by praying for America. We may be fed up with everything that’s going on but that doesn’t preclude us from offering prayer. Prayer should always be our first choice in every situation, not the last. America needs to experience the next move of God across the land.
Before every great movement of God in the Bible and even in history, prayer preceded it. So when praying ask God for a great spiritual awakening across out country.
With all that’s going on we can be part of the solution by loving one another. God commands us to do so. Instead of the “me-too” movement we need a “Love each other” movement that begins with Christians. It can begin with each of us individually.
In today’s chaos, Christians especially need each other more than ever. We’ve got to stand together and rally for the fact that the Bible is God’s infallible Word. It is total truth and without error. Salvation comes through Christ alone and we should be taking the word to those who do not know Him.
We need prayer warriors to rise up, gather together and be the light of Jesus in this world which gets darker by the hour. We need unity and we need to quit fighting over trivial matters.
Our faith should not waiver in the current eroding of culture. As Christians, our future is not in the hands of the government; it is in the hands of the one true God. For a great move of God, we have to unite in our prayers and ask God to heal us. I’m praying and I hope you join with me.©2019

VICTORIA SIMMONS Is a columnist, author, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com