Bro. Jacky and Denise Connell showcase his new book, “Painkillers” at a book signing at Barnes & Noble. Photo submitted

Hello everyone. 

Thought for today:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He shall direct your paths. (Prov 3:5–6).

We are nearing “St. Clair County Bicentennial” time. The committee is hosting a free Old Fashion Hymn Sing on Saturday, March 17 beginning at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ashville. Many old hymns will be sung-those that mean so much to us older folks. There will be county and local bands performing, including “Whitney Junction” and the “Mt. Zion Cake Walk Bluegrass Band.” Serving on this committee are Danny Stewart, Deanna Lawley, and Paul Vaughn. I love hearing about the early settlers. My grandmother would tell us about traveling south in a covered wagon, first camping in Cleburne County before later moving into Winston County, where they settled.

On Mar 10, 1969, James Earl Ray pled guilty to the assassination of Martin Luther King. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison.

On March 3, 1931, the Star-Spangled Banner became the national anthem of the United States as President Herbert Hoover signed a congregational resolution.

This week, I am honoring my long-time friend, Jewel Pope Sollie. Jewel is the widow of Judge Vernon Sollie. She will have been a Pink Lady at the hospital for 31 years in September. She is now 93 years old and was employed at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City for many years. After retirement, she became a Pink Lady and is still at it today. She says she dearly loves it. Jewel has one daughter Deanna Sanderson, and one grandson, Brady Evans, married to Lauren. She was reared in Coal City and the oldest (and only living) of five children. her siblings include Christine Smith, Gilbert Pope, Lillie Callahan, and Marvin Pope. Jewel and her brother, Gilbert, spent many hours together until his recent death. She attends Faith Baptist Church.

Coosa Valley Church of God is having a Pastor Appreciation Day for Rev. Andy and Kerri Lambert from 9:45 a.m. to Noon. There will be a meal following the service. The church is located at 970 River Road in Cropwell.

The “Painkillers” first book signing event at Pell City Library for Bro. Jacky Connell was a huge success introducing the new “Painkillers” book. Steady crowds came and went all through the evening with over 100 “Painkillers” books as well as study guides and t-shirts were sold with Bro. Jacky meeting, greeting and autographing each book. WDJC was on hand doing a live remote at Barnes & Noble Patton Creek for Bro. Jacky’s second book signing event on Saturday. A steady stream of people stopped in all afternoon to see Bro. Jacky and have him autograph their copy of the book.

The next book signing event will be Thursday, March 22 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Leeds Jane Culbreth Library.  The “Painkillers” book is already being used in area small groups.  Eden Westside Baptist Church has multiple Painkillers small groups that meet on Sunday afternoons at 5 p.m. for the next 12 weeks. The book and companion study guide is available at www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Lamp Lighters Senior Adult Event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13 at the Eden Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church located at 223 Wolf Creek Road North. This is a FREE event for seniors 55 and older which includes a special program and lunch and no reservation required. For more information, please call 205-338-7711.  

Our Holy Week Worship will be March 26-30. More about those details in next columns.

Special Happy Birthday wishes to my sister, Ann Harmon, who will celebrate her birthday on March 15.  Also, birthday greetings to Desmond Groce, Mike Darrah, Mona Scott, Caden Donahoo, Arvilla Mullins, Kent Brascho, Kylie Cline, Adam Kimberly, Lynda Ramsey, Tommy Guinn, John Lawrence, Claire Brice, Carla Kimberly, Anne Simmons, Jim Wansart, Seana Alexander, Jane Kendrick, Angela Traweek, Dale Skelton. and Norma Morris.

Please remember the family of Bob Watson who recently passed away. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Ingram Watson, and children, Robert Watson, John Rea, and Jennifer Moses. Also, please remember the family of Bob Isbell, who is survived by his wife, Patricia Isbell, and step-daughter Renea Parker.

Did you know that the “Black Belt” in Alabama, down around the Auburn area, is called that because of the black, rich dirt in that area?

And don’t forget to turn your clock ahead one hour on Sunday, March 11.

Stealing time for yourself reduces stress, improves creativity and lets you recharge relationships.

Remember:  When life gives you too much to stand, KNEEL.  (Crosswalk.com)

God bless you. I pray that this year will bring you blessings, good health and peace and joy. Please pray daily for our country, it’s leaders and for Israel.  Please contact me with information at 205-338-7746 or email to annette_snow@yahoo.com.