God’s holy words in Isaiah 44:6, Deuteronomy 10:17 and Psalms 24:1 speaks to the hearts of mankind about God being in control.

“I am the first and I am the last: apart from me there is no God.

“The Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

God has allowed you to see another year through his love and his mercy for each of you. He is definitely worthy to be honored and praised. To all of you, who read my articles in the Daily Leader newspaper regularly and to the ones who would like to, but cannot for one reason or another, I would like to say thank you and may God Almighty continue to bless and keep each of you in his loving care. Happy, Happy New Year.  May this year bring you much joy, lots of success, plenty of wealth, good health and most of all, God’s continued love.

Damascus M. B. Church in the Loyd Star community will have their pastor Rev. Robert Daniels and wife, Sister Norma Daniels, seventh-year anniversary Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. All pastors, ministers, family members, friends and the public are invited to come out and celebrate such a wonderful occasion. This is done by the order of Damascus joint board members and Damascus Church family. Dinner will be served in the church fellowship hall.

There is always a time to say thank you and congratulations for a job well done to a person who has excelled well in a task, academically, in sports, in a job or whatever the reason is, this person should be recognized for his or her efforts.

Congratulations, to my and Kirby’s grandson, Michael Anthony Harvey II, the son of Minister Michael Anthony Harvey I and Trelva Humphries Harvey of the Loyd Star community. He is also the grandson of Sherry Harvey of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the great-grandson of Mrs. Allie Mae Humphries, of Brookhaven, and he is the brother of Myla Harvey an eighth-grader at Loyd Star Attendance Center, and of Kia and Kale of McComb. These well wishes are extended from your entire members.

Michael A. Harvey is a 6-foot-1, 185 pounds senior at Loyd Star. Michael was selected as the top offensive football player for three games. For the last two years, Michael has played four positions during the football games at Loyd Star and out on the road as they played other teams. He’s played as a defensive back, quarterback, running back and wide receiver. During his last year, he scored six touchdowns: three passing touchdowns and three running touchdowns. On defense, he made 63) tackles and five game tackles. He played well, and he loves the sport of football. Michael, for your contributions to the Loyd Star football team for the 2015 and 2016, your family, friends and fans say thank you for the thrills and the chills that you gave us during the many games played. We love you dearly and again, thank you!

Now that your high school football days are over, it is time to climb to higher heights as you embark upon your future endeavors. We thank God for your health and your ability to play during each game. As you now move forward toward your future dreams and goals, always remember to put God and his Son Jesus Christ first in your life. Always remember who brought you thus far. As stated above, remember who is in control at all times. As you think back to your high school days remember Ephesians 6: 12-16.

Also, congratulations to James Beard Jr., the son of James and Tara Beard of the Loyd Star community. James is a 10th grader at Loyd Star, and he has excelled well in the sports of football and baseball. He has earned much recognitions for jobs well-done and your family, the community, your fans and friends are very proud of  you and all that you have accomplished in your two high school years thus far. James, as you continue in your future endeavors in sports, remember to put God first and things will continue to work in your favor. We love you, and we wish you good health and lots of continued success during your high school days.

Congratulations is also extended to senior Zack Arnold of Loyd Star who has played well and made many accomplishments for the Loyd Star team. He has worked hard for the success of this team and the community, his family, his fans and his friends are very proud of everything that he has accomplished. Zack, keep God first in your life and you will succeed.

If you have any Loyd Star area news, to eport, please call Carolyn E. Beard Humphries at 601-833-5753.