Ever heard the phrase, “The more you get the more you want?” There is no one who loves to shop more than me. Shopping can be fun and there’s nothing wrong with trying to find good deals, but sometimes if we dwell on something too much, we lose our focus. Luke 12:15 tells us to take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things, which he possesseth.

Millions of dollars are spent by advertisers each year to show us products that they hope we can’t live without. How do we deal with this pressure? We must focus on living a life without more, more, more and concentrate on living in a relationship with God and doing His will and work.

Christian love and sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Cody Goodwin, Eva Hogan and Ann White.

A very special thank you to all for your help with the vacation Bible school recently at New Center Baptist Church. Without you, it wouldn’t have been possible.

Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Lloyd Sullivan on July 29, Ellie Blackwood on July 30, Craig Knox on July 31, Kari Riffe and Abbey Jenkins on Aug. 1, Chandler Russell, Charity Teague and Jacob Winton on Aug. 2, Donna Kilpatrick and Stephen Robinson on Aug. 4 and Charlotte McKelvy, Shelby Jenkins and Dee Dee Hendrix on Aug. 5.

Happy anniversary wishes to Mark and Dione Hatfield and Ray and Regina Long, both on July 30; Charles and Maxine Lang and Ben and Paula Bates, both on July 31; Greg and Linda Bradford and Pastor Shane and Joy Lewis, both on Aug., 1; Chad and Branda Bloodworth and Donald and Linda Edwards, both on Aug. 6

Happy birthday wishes to my sister, Kaye Widener, who celebrates her birthday on Sun., Aug. 4. Love ya!