Those of you who have been readers for a while will remember that Christmas is my very favorite day. So, I have to remind you all how close it is!! Well, since today is July 25, Christmas is only 5 months away- Ho!, Ho!, Ho!!!

The Christian Ministries of Atascosa (CAM) meets once a month year around to be sure all the congregations of the member churches are kept up with what is going on with the activities that CAM is involved in. The "Stuff the Bus" drive that is held each year collecting school supplies for our students who are in need of help has come to an end. If your church is a member of CAM but no longer has a delegate to the meetings, try to encourage your congregation to renew its commitment to this great group. CAM is seeing high demand for laundry supplies. As always, donation are appreciated.

We were so glad to get to go to the "Yesteryear Festival" at Pleasanton's Longhorn Museum this past Saturday. I find it hard to believe that so many of our young children aren't the slightest bit aware that some garments, such as some scarfs and some sweaters, and a few other objects are produced by manipulating two sticks with some yarn!!

When I was growing up most of us could knit, crochet, or both. And, to see how cloth was made a few generations ago is really a "brain breaker" for most. We really can't appreciate how far we have come if we don't know where we came from, can we?

I know we are all deeply saddened by the awful events in Colorado this past week. We must be able to talk to our children at times like this. Just pray that whatever you say will comfort them. Let them know that it is not for us to know all the answers, but that our God does.

We need to let our children see our faith and hear about it. They don't learn understanding and patience and trust, etc. by accident. They have to see it in action.

At times like this, I'm always reminded of my favorite poem that my mom taught me so young......"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day......"