About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 20, 2023)
jenkinscountytimes.com The Jenkins County Times Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - Page 5 NO OBITUARIES REPORTED THIS WEEK What’s waiting for you outside: By Diane Wasden, Special Contributor for The Times When you get to be my age...let’s just say over fifty, we all tend to look back in time and remember snap shots of our childhood. Some of us are even guilty of buying things we had as a child, hanging onto those memories when life was like we were living on a different planet. We are all guilty of saying that all too familiar saying “it’ll never be like this again “, but why not it’s up to each one of us to leave our footprints of our meaning on this forever turning world. Get to know it...time stops for no one, once it’s gone it’s gone, so get out there and enjoy new places see new things teach your children how to have fun without spending money, open their eyes to this wonderful playground God created for us to enjoy. I tipped toed back in time when my childhood days were filled with days of playing outside, we couldn’t wait until dark to play hide-and -seek with flashlights. We also loved catching and watching the lightning bugs, we always let them go for another time. One thing you had to master was getting along with your brothers and sisters, that was a must... there were no other kids to play with around for miles. That’s how it was living in a rural farming community. But looking back I wouldn’t change it for anything. My younger sister and I would spend hours just running all over the hay fields, and when we needed a break, we would lie down and stare up at the sky. God created a wonderful picture show a beautiful blue sky and clouds that looked like fluffy white pillows, we laughed so much picking out animals and other shapes made from the clouds. Mom just loved having us out of her hair, sometimes my younger brother and I would chase our two sisters with garden snakes.. .those were the days. We had this thing for building houses to see who could build the best ones, there was a little bit of competition between us, the ants were our first we could use only things from nature. I used sticks they were simple and could be snapped to the size you needed, I even built a twig fence around it, my little sister tried to copy mine but didn’t come close. It didn’t take much to entertain us... imagination.. .is it still around? We had a brook running through our property, we spent many days barefooted running and splashing keeping cool. Then one day we discovered gold [ so we thought] we took off like bank robbers with a bag of money, we were so excited my mom stood there with her mouth open and didn’t know what to say Finally she worked up the nerve to tell us it was gold, but it is called fool’s gold it’s not real, the only thing my little sister got out of it was that we were being called fools! So now we had these glittery stones.. .what to do with them, my little sister yells out let’s build houses for those little fish “they are called minnows I said “. So, we did, and they came out rather nicely I thought, we sat and watched the minnows swim in and out of the beautiful gold stones. We loved our little Country Church; Sundays were always so special. My brothers had to wear suits and ties and the three of us girls had to wear dresses and white patten leather shoes [ neither one made well for climbing the church trees on a dare]. There was always a dinner afterwards and every family would bring things, they were such good memories. I remember when a tornado came through our area and it was at nighttime, we all had to go to the basement for safety. The next day we had one broken window and shingles everywhere on the lawn, the bam and animals were all safe. I recall mnning up to my mom and telling her that God needed our swing set, so he took it to heaven for the boys and girls in heaven to play on. I wasn’t even sad; I was happy for them. Days later they my brother found our swing set twisted up in some tall trees, mom told the others not to say anything because she liked my version better... it was so special to her. God made a wonderful playground that doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy, it’s sure to bring the family closer. We are all guilty of taking things for granted, like that sky full of stars at night when’s the last time you really looked up at them. Get out there ... live a little...it just might change how you see the world. Tcur N-smtc Sour JerfcteCcurty M l!w\ Gewj'a * MAYORAL DEBATE ^Thursday - October 5, 2023 - 7:00 pm Historic Pal Theatre f y C ur Qndiiut,-;.. 13< fff> lto ’X Av&nue * King Rocket, Incumbent 733 C&tt&n S i itt K -1! = -■ i\™k n - k tr- n TientS . Mai(fy L'nJfruTgoJ. JCtktV 1 Crttra - The Public Is Invited - Free Admission Mike Dam Dr, Giovanni Shumate Terry Hearn JENKINS Jii-.r Sanders Monument Company Producers of high quality monuments and markers 1484 Halcyondale Road Sylvania, GA 30467 (912)425-7870 (912)451-6382 Kenneth & Stacy Sanders Owner/Operators safidersmonumentco@gtnail.com sandersmonument.com flyrcns That Touch th£ fteart I want to walk as a child of the light By Sam Eades, Publisher/Writer for The Times This past Sunday, we sang a hymn that I have sung more than once. However, this particular Sunday, it gave a new meaning to me and touched my heart in a way I have never experienced before. Mr favorite verse says," I want to walk as a child of the light, I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus." How many times have we lost power in our homes and could not find light to see by? It has happened to me more than once. I struggle to find matches to light candles or I look forever to find the candles I need . and yes, sometimes, the flashlight cannot be found, not to mention the battteries. Isn't it nice to know that Jesus provides us the light we need for the entire world. As long as we follow him, the light is always there for us to share and to use. This precious hymn was written in the summer of 1966 by Kathleen Thomerson. Ms. Thomerson was visiting the Church of the Redeemer in Houston, Texas during a special service and the words came to her mind. She jotted down the words while listening to the sermon that day. Kathleen spent portions of her childhood in Mississippi, California and Texas. She attended the University of Texas and received a bachelor’s degree in music in 1956 and a master’s degree in 1958. She also worked as organist and music director at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. She is a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists. This elegant folk song melody conveys a text based on numerous scriptures: Isaiah 42:6: “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations.” and Revelation 22:5: “The need no light of lamp or sun." The refrain seems to remind us of the great tmth of Psalm 136:12: “Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.” I strongly believe it conveys the walk, the journey of faith, and the deep conviction of a Christian. Simply put, it is just one of those songs that makes you happy to be a Christian. Please sing with me 1 I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain: In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart. Lord Jesus. 2 I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father. [Refrain] 3 I'm looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain] RIBBON Continued from page 1 embroidery, but she warmly invites customers to bring in their own items, promising to transform anything from hats to tents. "My motto is, if I can hoop it, I can do it," Celeste enthusiastically shares. Dedication to Craft and Community Celeste and her husband are dedicated to their shop and the community, with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday through Saturday. She takes immense pride in her work and assures that perfection is her standard. "If it ain't right, you won't get it until it is. My customers are my friends and neighbors, and I welcome everybody to drop by and see what I can do for you." HEARN Continued from page 1 THE COTTON GIN " Millen's Florist" Since 1987 478.982.2153 717 Cotton Ave. Millen, GA FRIENDS Continued from page 1 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on September 23rd will receive complimentary water, snacks, and a free t-shirt. Additionally, parking will be provided for all volunteers joining during this timeframe. To register and participate, simply look for the designated tent located in front of the park office, where volunteers can sign in and receive instructions for their chosen tasks. For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact the park office directly at 478-982-1660. Your State Parks Day Cleanup is an opportunity to give back to the community and preserve the natural beauty of Magnolia Springs State Park. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or simply looking for a fun way to spend a morning outdoors, mark your calendars for September 23rd and be a part of this impactful event. Together, we can make a positive difference and ensure the park remains a treasure for generations to come. selection of items”. If elected mayor, he would reach out to these companies among others to lure them to open in Millen. He says, “This can’t be done by just one person, but it is going to take all of Millen to want it and I believe I am the person to steer it in the right direction. This would help keep more money in Millen and save residents time and money by not having to drive a half-hour to the nearest big box stores in Statesboro.” Heam is a big supporter of education and its many benefits to not just the individual but the impact it can have on an entire community. To further education in Millen, he suggests, “adding more after-school programs like ones that revolve around reading or technology, etc.” He currently has two grandchildren that attend Jenkins County School System. Heam has never held public office and has never been a fan of politics. He does believe Millen government leaders should have term limits, and as he puts it, “if you can’t get things done in 8 years, then you're likely not going to get anything done if you are in office for 20.” He also will be very transparent with Millen residents if elected mayor and will be available at any time to address citizens’ concerns. Look for candidate Heam at the mayoral debate on October 5th at the Historic Pal Theater. If you have questions for Mr. Heam or any of the other three, email them to thejenkinscountytimes@ gmail.com.
