Jill Squat
The sun is smiling; birds are singing; and the aroma of fresh cut grass is intermingling with the sweet scent of blooming blossoms. Yes, it’s that time of year when God awakens nature. And do you want to know one of the best ways we can enjoy God’s wondrous awakening? By getting off our backsides and simply putting one foot in front of the other for a nice leisurely walk. Regrettably, that’s easier said than done. 
Last week, I talked a little about the harm bullying inflicts on others. Just this week, WYMT broadcasted a story about how a Madison County High School student attacked another in the school cafeteria. Unfortunately the story doesn’t end there. This tragic act of violence was videoed by another student actually posted on You Tube.
The young child sat in the back of the class always trying to keep a low profile; he ate alone at the long, busy lunch table; and he always tried to be the first on the school bus to get a seat right behind the driver. He didn’t want to end up near the back of the bus, because he never knew what he would have to endure at the end of his long school day.
“Bless her heart; who would’ve ever thought she’d do such a thing?” the office worker whispered under her breath. “And can you believe he was involved?” the chatty friend replied. The two gossiping coworkers stood behind the water cooler fervently discussing the latest office news.
I was never a big fan of George Michael, and I wasn’t crazy about his song, Faith, but he may have been on to something when he sang, “I gotta have faith.” Sometimes it’s easier said than done, isn’t it?
According to Mark 10:15, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” The Bible says we must be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven…like the newborn child who has complete and utter faith in his/her parents.
The smoke still lingers from last week’s Turn on the Lite. And this week I’m really seeing red—through all the gray smoke that is. And you should be irritated as well. Can you believe it? Lawmakers in twenty-two states have actually had the audacity to pass laws that ban smoking statewide. Yep, you heard me right. These lawmakers took it upon themselves to respect the rights of citizens who don’t want to pollute their lungs with secondhand smoke.
As the burly man sat in the restaurant booth with his pals, he couldn’t wait to finish his lunch of a double-burger and large over-salted fries. But then again, what was the rush—he was on someone else’s dime. As he swallowed the last of his luscious lunch and gulped the remainder of his caramel carbonated cola, he could hardly set down the large paper cup proudly displaying its logo, before moving on to the task at hand.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone lived by this golden rule? You wouldn’t speak ill to others, because you certainly don’t want anyone to belittle you. You wouldn’t cut others off in traffic, because you definitely want to feel safe and secure while traveling from one destination to another.
The Breathitt County Retired Teachers Association (BCRTA) met January 25, 2008 at the Old Country Inn. Presided Janet Hounshell presided.
Key issues discussed included: membership, legislative, health and insurance. Membership goals for the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association (KRTA) is 28,000 members in 2008. KRTA dues are $15.00 annually. KRTA membership entitles a retiree to many services not available to non-members. BCRTA dues which include Upper Kentucky River Retired Teachers Association (UKRRTA) membership are $7.00 annually.
I absolutely love to read… Wuthering Heights, Little Women, Of Mice and Men, anything written by Jesse Stuart, and my all-time favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird are just a few of my preferences; however, amid my day job, taking care of Jack and our happy home, and dedicating myself to this column each week, I sometimes don’t even find the time to glance over your favorite locally owned Voice, much less dedicate myself to a full-fledged book. Ah, therein lies my problem.
