“Stand at the crossroads and look….ask where the good way is and walk in it.” JERIMIAH 6: 16

Happy New Year to you, Dear Readers. I wish you - pray for you all - to have a happier and heathier year ahead. I pray that you will prosper in positive ways for the benefit of others.

Colby (Stoker) and her husband, Tyler Hill, greeted the guests who came to the newlywed’s reception at the front door of the Haswell Community Center December 30. After Colby’s aunt, Pam Lessenden, offered a prayer, she directed the guests to begin to fill their plates at the buffet tables. This night had added joy for families and friends to have Colby return home from Kentucky and her brother, Blake, and one year old son, Stetson. Blake returned from the Ukraine war where he was stationed in Romania and Germany with the United States Army. It was such a lovely evening with classmates, ranch families, relatives and towns people coming to wish them well.

Leanna Collins and her father, Bob Woods, drove to near Oklahoma City to spend Christmas with her sister, Sheri, and Jim Lyons.

Steven C. Blythe, who was my neighbor around the corner on Kerr Street, has died after being in hospice care for some time. I observed what a good friend Mary Woods was to him. She visited him frequently, and often brought him goodies to eat. Or so I thought. Then, one day, I asked her and she replied that she worked in a Denver hospital for 32 years. She said she knew that nurses like snacks, so she often brought them goodies. Then one day Mary brought me a beautiful blue plate of fudge and square pretzels with chocolate toppings. I do declare that was Blue Ribbon fudge. Another day, I asked her what her connection was with Stephen Blythe. She said, “When my husband was dying, Steve was the only man who sent a card or contacted him. Now it is my time to return that kindness.” Isn’t that beautiful? It brings tears to my eyes. Then I think how wonderful it is that Mary moved to our town to be near her uncle, Bob Woods. It is amazing and truly wonderful how God works things out to bring meaning and comfort to our lives.

People have been enjoying the new mural on the south side of the building at the horseshoe park in Eads. One should drive or walk more slowly to appreciate the historical and factual stories in the design. As we saw Billy Brandt painting the design of E-a-d-s over a period of many weeks, we admired such good artwork. Now I have learned that Betsy (Legg) Barnett had the inspiration for the designs of farming, hunting, school sports, the train, and a Bible Verse. Betsy wanted to brighten that wall and to welcome travelers to Eads. I have seen a lady taking a photo of the beautiful wall. Billy did a masterful job of painting her inspiration. Billy also painted the marvelous mural on the north side of his parents’ shop on Highway 287. It welcomes visitors coming into Eads from north. This mural features a huge buffalo and calf in a sunset sky of orange and gold. I have told Betsy before, “Your mother would be proud of you.” This week, I add, “Your father and grandparents also would be proud of you.” I think of this work of art as leaving a legacy. When you think about it, this is another example of how God works in wonderful ways in the lives of people. Both Betsy and Bill are graduates of Eads High School. Bill is an Army Veteran and lives in Pueblo, so he must travel 120 miles or so each time he comes to Eads. Here my friends, is another example of how God has brought two people from different walks of life to collaborate for the good of the people. God is so good.

Last week, Gail Voss drove me to Pueblo in my van for a doctor’s appointment. It was the first time in years that I have been able to explore a mall and eat Chinese food. On the way home, we stopped by Paul and Glenda Stokers’ home, and were pleased when we drove by the new home of Karl and Sarah Eikenberg’s to see that he had his traditional yard display. There were not as many lights as on their home in Eads, but maybe they burned in the fire at their Eads home. If you have extra lights, it would be kind of you to leave outdoor lights at the K and S Gas Station. Here is another example of how God works in the lives of good people: Their home was too badly damaged to live in. They had been driving to Haswell daily to remodel and open the former Stoker station. God works in mysterious ways. Somehow the lovely home of Murial (Davis) Wiser became available to move into. What a blessing for them! I have been hearing lately about how very generous some people are to donate money or material goods to a church or groups like the senior citizens group. Isn’t that wonderful? Yes, it is. I should get out my check book.

Shalom