Ever start out your day by asking God to let you be a blessing to someone that day? We all come in contact with people each and everyday that stands in need of something as simple as a smile, a kind word or just someone to talk to, I think we all get wrapped up in our own problems sometimes and we forget the needs of others. I realize there are many needs this world over, but oftentimes they may just be around the corner. So, in your prayers this week, ask God to grant you the ability to give instead of get.

The descendants of the late Andrew and Ruth Motes and Raymond and Lillie Motes met at the park in Somerville for a family get-together. Those attending were Kenneth and Gwen Motes and grandson, Harrison Bell of Guntersville; Erskin Motes, Frank and Judy Mitchell, Buddy and Shirley Knight, Gene and Lisa Hyatt and Tim, Cindy and Katelin Hyatt, all of New Hope; John Motes, Johnathan, Ramonia, Jacob, Riley and Gianna Motes and Jennifer Hardiman of Athens; Faye Johnson, Chris, Veronica and Wesley Tolbert of Somerville; Freddie, Rhonda and Johndale Motes and Kelsey Borden, all of Somerville; Lois Hill of Huntsville; Ray, Susan, Emily Ann and Jonthan Towery of Hazel Green; Fred and Evelyn Motes, Mike and Kaye Widener and Nathan, Javon and Jarred Alldredge, all of Hartselle.

Christian love and sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Wayne Halbrooks,  Randall and Angela Wilson, in the loss of Angela’s aunt, Jewel Puckett and to Don and Gayle Townsend, in the loss of Don’s mother Ruth Townsend.

On Thursday evening, S.W.A.P. (seniors with a purpose) of Somerville Baptist Church enjoyed a trip to Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman for dinner. Those attending were David and Beth Lewis, Charles and Evelene Teague, Ken Pendleton, James and Jackie Pugh, Lorene Oden, Tracy Brown, Susan Thomason, Don Peebles, Joe and Tiny Hollis, Sara Foust, Chris Champion (bus driver), Lou and Ann Heath, Cecil and Judy Berry, Nancy Morrow and Nathan and Javon Alldredge. All enjoyed the food and fellowship.

Happy birthday this week to Cindy Lemmond and Mary Wilbanks, both on May 15, Braxton Halbrooks on May 16, Alyssa Hines Maddox on May 17, Karen Griffith and Tara Summerford, both on May 18 and Alania Matthews, Sonny Downs, Kelly Stratman and Allan Parker, all on May 19.

Happy anniversary this week to Josh and Mary Melson on May 18 and Daniel and Kaycee LaBoudiere on May 20.