Why I Go To Church

I attend church on Sunday morning to praise a higher power I believe in and have faith in.  I come to keep learning how to serve Him who gives me the life I have; who guides me and strengthens me to make it through difficult times; who enables me to be of help to others.   Yes, my God is Good to me and He should know that by my actions.  Thus I want to be in church every Sunday.

Part of my praise effort is to know as much as I can about Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, the power of prayer, and how I can best please Him. I am more assured of gaining such knowledge by attending church on a regular basis.

When I am in the Sanctuary, it is with a strong expectation of receiving ‘food for the soul’.  Of tremendous importance is the music; organ, piano, choir, its’ soloists and featured groups and the wonderful hymns I join with the congregation to sing.

One by one, two by two, families’ gathering together for and in a church worship service is an enriching experience like no other as far as I’m concerned. 

I want to be in the pew for any Sunday’s sermon. I don’t want to miss the blessed assurance of beginning my week spiritually empowered to be strong, self-confident and able to be of help to others.

Think about it, if you’re so inclined.

Party-Time in The 70's

     She talked about remembering the wild social mores of the party scene in the 1970’s.

      Pills meant the promise of a real good time.

      They were colorful.   Serious partiers would judge the greatness of a party by the variety they anticipated  - yellow, green or red pills.  Names of the magic stimulants were not bandied about, only colors.

      No she didn’t participate.  She claimed to be afraid of ANY drug related condiment.

      Never smoked weed nor pot or, whatever else marijuana was called.  She said people toked up.  Not her or close friends – too risky – might ruin their future.

      Liquor was always flowing.

      A drink in hand, great music and psychedelic lighting gave a party enough verve for most.

      In the 70’s sexual promiscuity, rampant and tempting, challenged even the strongest among them.  Her next words, solemnly shared, told of losing her man to another woman.  Still she remembers demurely fending off the sexual advances of men looking for a good time with her.  Business meetings were no different.  Guys were treacherous.  But a subtle scoot of her chair discouraged the possibility promised by his hand moving along her thigh under cover of the conference table. She said she never caved.  Surrendering to temptation at parties, meetings or wherever would invite a label she did not want.  It was easy to turn a cold shoulder.   I’m thinking it was just as easy not to make that decision.  The choice was hers.

      She spoke about the disaster of Aids.  Aids put a halt to considering sexual escapades with even legitimate available prospects. 

      Time and circumstances move us along through the stages of our lives to a point where maturity finally informs us.  Many can be grateful for the blessing of surviving foolish choices.

      Oh why oh why can’t a favorite entertainment icon of mine be so blessed?

      I’m thinking it’s because he was a brilliantly adorable entertainer with a fabulous message.    That juxtaposed against his partying escapades keeps the news cycle going. 

      What good does the incessant and expanding coverage accomplish?

      Not much, I’m thinking.  To me, it is only miserable.

WOODS

 James Franklin (Jim), 77 of St. Louis passed from this world on June 13, 2015.  The son of the late John Wesley Woods, Jr. and Iva Newman Woods, he was born in Zanesville, Ohio.  He attended public schools in Zanesville and Williamsfield, Ohio, graduating from Williamfield High in 1955.  After attending AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving until his honorable discharge. 

   Jim, the father of three and grandfather of one grandson, was preceded in death by their mother and grandmother, his beloved wife, Barbara McAlpin Woods.  A brother and sisters, John W. Woods, III, Sharon Nelson, and Kathleen Ramey also preceded him in death.  He leaves to deeply mourn his passing sisters Cynthia Woods, twin Marva L. Stith, and brothers, Larry and Roy Woods.

    From early in his youth, trained by his father, he worked in the building trades specializing in plastering.  He also carried mail for the U.S. Postal Service.  Jim was a sports enthusiast and an avid reader.

   A private military service was held on June 22, 2015 at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis County. 

    Arrangements handled by a funeral home in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Dixie, Pugslee and Jim - his Summer 2005 visit to the country.

Plans carried out for my twin's going away service did not provide for an obituary.  Jim was a friend to many who may not know of his final journey.  Thus, with love, I’ve written this post – a final good-bye for my brother.   Rest in Peace, Jim.     

(Please share, especially to your friends in St. Louis, Missouri where he lived for more than 50 years prior to his death.)