News from the Mountain

By CAROL GUNTER

Hi and hope you are feeling fit as a fiddle this first week of April. This cool snap only going to last a couple of days and then we will be back into the seventies. Sounds like my kind of working weather not too hot and not too cold.

Talked with cousin Ruth/ the boss on Thursday. Her and son Jeff doing good. Also, Peggy her sister / the diva in New Hampshire doing super. Rest of the family well.

Sherry Gannon, Crystal Gannon / "Pooh", and Ricky Gannon stopping by on Tuesday. We got to catch up on a few happenings.

More phrases that some of you might: strike while the iron is hot, been through, the mill, this ain't gonna gee-haw (Aubrey and his dad, "John" said this a lot when working on a dozer or other piece of machinery), lazy as all get out, snug as a bug in a rug, whatever floats your boat, suck it up buttercup (daughter related this to me), and don't have a dog in that fight (Aubrey said that several times).

You know I told you I would be out on our patio more than I was last spring, summer, and fall and that's where I'm at today and I encourage all of you to get in some time outside, too. Even if it's only for a few minutes, it will make you feel better.

Let's keep the following people in our prayers: the family of Ella Rich (Carlon Melton's sister), Mai Nell Melton, Reed Vanderpool, Edith Miller, Charlie Mai Daniel the family of Hoyte Hooper and Denise Stanton.

Mai Nell Melton called Sunday evening. Always a joy talking to her. We were discussing the right time to plant our dahlias. After the danger of frost has passed (which is around April 15th) and the warm temperatures hook like they're here to stay then it's a good bet it will be okay to put out the dahlias. Gonna call Mai Nell and let her know when I'm going to plan my dahlias. I'm also going to put out my maroon cannas then, also.

Spoke with Wayne Gunter last week. He and his family all doing well. Wayne is a greeter at Walmart and loves doing it. At Christmas time he's all dressed up as Santa Claus and so many people enjoy that and the kids, too. Wayne is perfect for this as he looks like Santa with that beard of his.

Disc jockey on gospel radio station (88.3FM) talking about how we Christians are to occupy this land until Christ's return. We've let the enemy get such a strong toe hold on this world by not standing our ground and standing up for Jesus. Before the Lord returns, do all you can to witness to others wherever you go. He will always make a way for you to tell about Him and how great He is and how Jesus can save and forgive them of their sins and how someday they will be living in heaven when they die here. Always as Christians remember "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world". Also, if we're Christians, the way we talk, the way we dress, and the way we treat people is a reflection of Jesus they see in us and thus they will want Him in their life, too.

Pearls of wisdom from my mom -- if you can't say anything good about somebody, then just don't say anything". I try to live by that code, and if you hear gossip, don't spread it, take it to the Lord in prayer. By all means, don't hop on the phone to do what the enemy wants you to do. Christians are above such as this. You have to wonder like me why some people would even call themselves Christians, when they conduct their lives hurting others and life is all about them? Quite frankly they care not Christians, if they act this way. You know this as well as I do. This life as a Christian is all about Jesus Christ and living for Him and no one else. When people you really thought were living for Jesus turn out to be living for the enemy or the loser well, that really shocks you doesn't it? A person that brags on their self on what they do for others and the sacrifices they make to help others and in the same sentence talk about the people they help and even talk about their family members in a negative way -- well, the Lord is not in their life -- they are living for the loser plain and simple. Do not sugarcoat it. Man will say they are a Christian -- don't be fooled - you can tell in time if they're a phony by how they live their life day in and day out. Those that are Christians give Jesus credit for every blessing in their life. They let it be know that Jesus is their everything and without Him, they would be nothing. .

If you have news for the column, just give me a call at 615-563-4429. Have a great day!

When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light until me> - Micah 7:8