I hope everyone had a wonderful and glorious Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please remember the reason for the season: the birth of Christ. Yes, Christmas is over, but the manger in Bethlehem really happened. Never forget that Jesus came down for us. God is so good. And hope you ate plenty of black-eyed peas and greens.

Thought for today:  Is your soul secure? Jesus said, “for what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). (Franklin Graham)

Last year is gone and we’re into the New Year. We’ve had some good memories and some sad moments. However, we must look ahead. Expect 2025 to be a good year. Feeling a little burnt out from the holiday excitement. Light a peppermint candle to help feel better. The smell of mint has been shown to lower anxiety and fatigue and even suppress the appetite. And it makes your house smell so good.

Birthdays: Happy birthday to Hadley Byrd, Anna Beth Adams, Maycie Thomas, Alicia Burch, Amy Stinson, Lisa Phillips, Justin Gray, Karen Hollis Hazelwood, Janet Weldon Jones, Joey Cobb, Billy Davenport, Sarah Peoples Julia Allred, Ivijay Causey, Hannah Tims, Lillian Coleman, Bobby Walker, Donnie Todd, Frances Bunn, Dexter Headrick, Judy Burch, Erskine Funderburg, Pete Rich, Gaston Williams and my grandson, Marty Snow whose birthday is the 15th.

Anniversaries: Happy 1st anniversary to Maddie and Brett Staples who were married New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2023.

Deaths: Keep the families of Janet Weldon, Brandon Harmon, David Morrow, Jo Harris, Michael Smith, Danny Bennefield, William Campbell, Debra Kilgore, Brenda Clemons-Bigbee, Daniel Hollis, Jim Ballard, Arline Smith Lynch,  Carla Sue Fendley Werts and Ted Hunter in your thoughts and prayers.

Schools: Christmas Break is over and school starts back. I know lots of people may be sick, so if not feeling better, stay inside and stay warm. Pell City School System starts back Monday, Jan. 6, for students, while teachers start back Thursday, Jan. 2.

Local: Prayers for all of those whose properties were damaged by the storms during the morning of Dec.29. Thankful that no one was hurt.

Resale to the Rescue Pell City needs furniture and household items. Your donations are tax deductible and help support ASPCI spay, neuter and animal transportation.

Sports: Congratulations to the Pell City High School Wrestling Team, who placed 8th out of 30 teams in the Hoover tournament. The two finalist were Elijah Wilson who placed 1st and Malik Watts who place 2nd and received the Best Match Award in the finals.

The PCHS Wrestling Team also placed 3rd out of 20 teams in The Beast of the Beach in Fort Walton, Florida. They beat out teams from 5 different states with an overall record of 7-2 for the two days.

Also, congratulations to PCHS Wrestler, Jr Talen McNutt on his 100th career win. That is a great accomplishment.

Congratulations to Victory Christian basketball players, Peyton Scott, Austen Lett and Amelia Haney on making the 2024 Billingsley Winter Classic All-Tournament Team. The team placed Runner Up in the tournament.

Congratulations to PCHS Track Team Member, River Richard who won 1st Place in the 1600 at the Holiday Invitation #2.

Getting to be that time already. If your child is interested in soccer, the Pell City FC is looking for players for birth years 2016, 2017, and 2018, who are looking to elevate their skills and compete at a higher level. There are also limited available spaces for birth years 2015, 2014, and 2013. To learn more visit: pellcityfc.com/about-pell-city-fc/

Is your child interested in cheer? The Pell City Thunder wants you for our 2025 spring season. They are a low-cost competitive cheer team, beginner friendly and  meet once a week on Sundays. Kickoff is Jan. 12,2025. Accepting ages 4-18 (3-year-olds accepted based on birthday)

Division 1-Ages: 3-6, Class times: 5 p.m.

Division 2 -Ages: 7-8, Class Times: 6 p.m.

Division 3 -Ages: 9+, Class times: 7 p.m.

Only $20 to claim your spot on our roster today. To sign up,  Go to parent.championforce.com. Create a parent portal and add your athlete. Go to classes and events. Search class code 14031. If you have any questions, reach out to Coach Tiffany (@coach.tiffany.2024) or message them at Champion Force Cheer of Pell City.

Remember: Nothing’s too big or too small to bring before Him in prayer–He hears you whether it feels like it or not. (Joyce Meyer)

God bless you. I pray that this new year will bring blessings, good health and peace and joy. Call me at 338-5590 with information about your family’s news and gatherings or you can email information to annette_snow@yahoo.com.