Throughout our lives we encounter many different experiences in mind, body and spirit. Life can change us sometimes for the good and sometimes it can embitter us. When we are young we are anxiously awaiting all the experiences life has to offer like learning to ride a bike, or no longer needing a babysitter. Along with the personal responsibilities of growing up come the unavoidable scrapes, scares and mistakes that shape our future (lifelong) judgments (decision making skills).
As a youth we have disappointments, such as when we don’t make the team, and heartaches like when a friend proves to be deceitful. We have big dreams which usually give way to slightly different reality and although our hearts sink, it’s only momentarily because our determination causes us either to strive harder (to overcome our shortcomings) or we adjust our dreams accordingly. Besides we have multiple dreams when we are young.
Adulthood has its own challenges different from our adolescent years yet vaguely similar. We still have scrapes, scares and make mistakes but often the difference is we choose to own them allowing them to weigh us down instead of shaking them off or choosing an alternate path towards the same goal. We tell ourselves we’re getting older; that we can’t do the things we used to do.
As the years continue on it becomes easier for life to beat us down with little or no resistance. I would presume its natural, but only because most of us no longer have dreams or goals. Or if we still have dreams we might have been told we are wishing our lives away. Don’t listen to naysayers their negativity need not rub off on those who still believe in the beauty of their dreams. Protect yourself from these dream killers and guard yourself from squashing other’s dreams.
Many times throughout our earthly existence we will be called to begin again, because of physical ailments, unforeseen circumstances, the decisions of others, as well as our own flawed nature. We might as well learn to do it with fortitude, patience, humility, and even gratitude. Grateful for what we had enjoyed; the humility to know some things are outside of our control and the steadfast faith that keeps us (hopeful) optimistic despite adversity.
From where does our help come? Our help comes from the Lord. Remember in our parent’s eyes we are forever their children, so how much more so does our heavenly Father see us as children—forever young. Who dare say He is wrong?
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Musical “Annie” will be performed by the Towne & Country Players at the Versailles Performing Arts Center (behind the school). Performance dates and times are: Friday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 15 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 16 at 3 p.m.
This weekend’s musical entertainment, sponsored by the Towne and Country Players, will be Sunday, July 16 at 7 p.m. Musicians Deron Bell and the Jazz for you Band will perform. (If it is raining the event will be moved to the St. Denis Church basement).
Also this weekend is the North Star community picnic. Music by Mic Stand Band at 8:30 p.m. Friday, the Cruise-in Car Show from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, music by Renegade Saturday and Sunday starts out with the Angel Run 5K at 9 a.m. Also on Sunday; the parade begins at 2 p.m., the antique tractor show is held from 2-6 p.m., the pedal tractor pull begins at 3 p.m., the BBQ chicken by Rocky becomes available beginning at 4 p.m., the talent show is from 5-6:30 p.m. and the raffle is drawn at 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 20 the local St. Vincent DePaul chapter will host a speaking event and bingo held in the Fr. Jaekle Room of the Versailles K of C Hall from 2 – 4 p.m. Pioneer woman Elvira Faye Kincaid Thompson will talk of her life in Virginia. This is a non-denominational event intended for all senior citizens.
Friday, July 21 at 6 p.m. is the Darke County Relay for Life opening ceremony at Heritage Park. The luminary ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. Plenty of food on site with hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, donuts, walking tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ ribs, brisket, wings, and Farmer Brown with his food truck.
The Versailles Community Garage Sale will be Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28. The event is a fundraiser for the Versailles Modern Mothers to register your garage sale pick up a form at the Library, Village Office or Johns IGA.
Happy birthday Ray Simon, Keith Spitzer, Donna Lyons, Diane Magoteaux, Irene Gehret, Marvin Gehret, Noah Hayes, Ray Simon, Nate Magoto, Samantha Smith, Lexi Rhoades, Julia Billenstein, Mark Rhoades, Steve Baker, Sara Mincer, Tom Pierron, Tom Sanderson, Janice York, Stephanie Adkins, Dan Hoening, Tom Mumaw, Devin Langston, Darlene Monnin, Susan “Bug” Mangen, Terri O’Brien, Kim Hartzell, Chell Graves, Barb Hart, B.J. Baker, Tim Platt, Finley Schmitmeyer, Jane Evans, Gina Wolfe, Nikia Pierre, Michelle McClure, Austin James, Jon Baker, Devin Langston, Megan Rue, Jeff Monnin, Ron Poling, Doris Monnin, Denise Good, A.J. Magoto, Zachary Bartram, Kevin Yagle, Michelle McClure, and Austin James as their birthdays approach. Anniversary wishes to Brittany and Chris Elsas (3), Amy and Mike Denlinger, (11), Courtney and Matt Pulfer (11), Lisa and Nick Beasley (12), Julie and Jerry Francis (18), Samantha and Ed Porter (22), Therese and Jeff Borchers (38) Suzanne and Jim Wakefield (53), and Sheila and Jim Didier (53). Retirement wishes to VHS teachers Karen Borchers and Colleen Hayes.
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Rosie Cordonnier, Romaine Berger, Karen Schultz, Irene Gehret, Ron Mescher, John Henry, Judy York, Zachary Browder, Bill Luthman, Amanda Danheim, Theresa Borgerding, Theresa Buteau, Chris Apple, Miriam Harman, Jack Monnin, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Anne Schmitz, Donna & Terry Black, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Betty Kremer, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, Tony Gehret, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Harold Langston, Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, ailing, suffering, hospitalized, home bound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Donald Livingston (92), and also remembering within our hearts the lives of Janet Coblentz, Ronald Derr, Maxine Weimer, Paul Peters, Joann Utz, Vernon Hilgefort, Waldo Bartram, Rose Ann Grilliot, Troy Burt, and Alice Argabright, Virginia Rhoades, Pat Rindler, Marvin Monnin, Kenneth Monnin, Jack Kaiser, Norma Fay Knick, Jerome Cain, Bob Byram, Betty McEldowney, Paul Oehrtman, Keith Batty, Mary and Stanley Hines, Joan Clack, Ethan Pohl, Lurene Drees, Yewell Kindred, Marion Cox, Milton Beal, Noel Loxley, Rosella Monnin, Ursula Overholser, Bob Pitsenbarger, Ruth Francis, Larry Subler, Ralph Chappie, Doc Francis and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.
Freda Banks, Jessica Back, Todd Magoto, Gary Smith, Harry Dahlinghaus, Martin Waldren, Francis Shappie, Doris Hoying, Edward Schulze, Esther Bulcher, Joshua Francis, Tom Batty, Norma Purpus, Sue North, David McMaken, Ruthanna Oliver, Bill Custenborder, Paul Ahlers, Ken Schafer, Riley Brandon, Wally Pleiman, Dorthea Shappie, Tom Cordonnier, Tom Batty, Glenn Kueterman and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.
”A pure heart create for me O God; put a steadfast spirit within me.” ~Psalm 51:10
“Strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” ~Unknown
“Learn to love a challenge because life will give you countless opportunities. “ ~C. Edwards
