Happy Mother’s Day! May your day be one of joy and love surrounded by your families. I look forward to this day because I have such wonderful memories of a mother who sacrificed so much for her family. I know she is rejoicing in heaven today and that gives me great peace. One day I shall be able to talk to her again and laugh at the strange, wonderful things that happen to “preachers’ kids.”

This day also causes me to stop and count the blessings that come from being a mother: answered prayers this past year that left me no where to turn but to my Lord, the joys of seeing my family grow and being able to watch talents and gifts of God flow all around me.

May birthdays include Martha McKinney, Larry Hartman, Riley Welch, Claire Pitt, Sarah Beth Coppage and Jeanne Hornback.

May anniversaries include Mike and Nannette Lusk and Bo and Becky Lowery.  Congratulations!

The month of May reminds us to be thankful for our mothers, our men and women on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, National Day of Prayer on May 7 and Memorial Day on May 25. May we pray for our families and servicemen everywhere.

I enjoyed Brookhaven’s Little Theater production of “Annie Jr.” last week. While I love the music and plot of “Annie”, I sat amazed at the talent our area produces. Thanks to Patty Hartman, Mica and Henley Hartman for an enjoyable afternoon watching “Annie.”

Since it is Mother’s Day, I am taking the opportunity to be a proud mother and grandmother and great-grandmother. I have to praise the Lord for grandson Casey’s progress at physical therapy on his broken leg. Granddaughter Rebekah Pritchard leaves next week for University of Tennessee Law School at Knoxville, Tennessee. She will not be able to be with us as much next year because of school; we shall miss her. Skyping with Claire’s triplets and Sam is a treat to watch them grow. However, I still don’t know how Claire and Tom do it! These 1-year-old babies are everywhere except where they are supposed to be. Riley will be 6 in May and already is growing up so fast. Jude is talking so well and keeping his mother and dad busy keeping up with him as well. Laila and Georgia are our princesses — spoiled by everyone and loved by all. Last week I had the privilege of teaching Jadon a Latin lesson and learned more from this 11-year-old than he did from me. What joys they all are!

Mrs. Blanche Keller has been in the McComb Hospital last week but has improved enough to go back to Silver Cross Nursing Home. Marinia Smith continues to improve. Keep both these ladies on your prayer list.

Last Sunday we talked about encouragement with an example of Barnabas. As we shared “encouragement” stories, a quote by John Piper seems appropriate to end this column today: “Barnabas looked beyond the imperfections of the church through eyes of grace. He saw the grace of God as living embers where others saw ashes of imperfection. With encouragement, we can be embers of grace and not allow criticism dash water on our witness.”

Have a happy week. Encourage someone today!

If you have any Union Church area news to report, contact Erlene Hudson at (601) 786-3079 or e-mail ehudsonb@aol.com.