Well, I am back. A lot has happened since my last column. By now you know that Rev. Jim Stone took a turn for the worse and passed on January 21. His illness and passing have been hard on family and friends, but it has been so enlightening to witness the outpouring of love from those who knew him. From the family that gathered to help him and each other through this difficult time, to the congregation of his churches in Rison, Mt Carmel and Primrose, who stood close in support of his family, to friends and fellow clergy, there was one theme that ran through the conversations. We all, each of us, have taken something from our relationship with him that makes us a little bit better today than we were before we knew him. What a great legacy.

Rev. Velda Bell and Jim's good friend Rev. Beth Purdue lead the service here in Rector and it was beautiful and meaningful. Especially when Rev Bell asked if anyone had any stories to share about Brother Jim and a cell phone on the front pew began to play "Bad to the Bone". It had to have been orchestrated from "the other side" by Jim himself. I was glad to see Rev. Gaylan Cope and his wife, Suzzane and Rev Jimmy Anderson and Lois. Both previously pastured the Methodist Church here. As did Bob Burnham. There were many other clergy and friends who were in Rector for the service.

Carol Stone will soon be moving back to Rector where daughters Mary and Hope will be close to help her out. Sons-in-law Lendell Small and Jerry Ermert are here too as well as grandsons Michael, Jake and Tyler Small and granddaughters Elizabeth, Miranda and Micah Ermert. Not to mention all her friends here. We will do our best to welcome her home.

This also means that we will all get to see Doug and Billy when they come to visit Mom.

The Rector Drama Troupe brought home a load of medals from the competition in Arkedelphia this past weekend. Hadliegh Watson has one of the gold medals and I hope to have more information for the next column. Congratulations all of your! Thanks, Mrs. B.

I hear Lady Francis Nichols has broken an ankle. I am so sorry to hear that. Lets wish her home and healed really soon.

Oh, By the way, the next time you are in Harp's and see Tyler Small, ask him about the moon in Pine Bluff. Let me know what he tells you.

As I didn't start out this column talking about the weather, let me finish with it. How about that snow! Weren't we lucky to get the pretty stuff without the damaging ice! And another record broken for this winter. Most rainfall, coldest temperature, most snow and probably most records broken in a single season. Makes you wonder what the spring will bring. Shudder!

I guess that's about it for today. Let me know what's happening with you. Give me a call or email me to let me know what is happening. My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net. I want to know and share your news. I do love hearing from you.

Keep our soldiers in your prayers.