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Articles by Joyce Smith
Bethesda News: Plenty of eating options through October, plus a big congrats to Dr. Snowden from FSD
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK — FOCUS on GIVING SMILES AWAY and YOU will ALWAYS discover that YOUR OWN smiles will ALWAYS be in GREAT SUPPLY! THIS Saturday morning, members of Cowles Chapel U.M. Church, invites EACH of you to their ANNUAL “ALL YOU CAN EAT” Country Ham Breakfast. They will begin serving at 6a.m. and continue until 9a.m. If you have NEVER been then I want to PERSONALLY invite you to attend.
Bethesda News: Bethesda community pays tribute to a ‘True Blue’ friend
Thought for the week — Prayer is one of the eminent characteristics of STRONG spiritual leaderships. You may recall that in my last column I had just learned of the passing of one of Bethesda’s Patriarchs, Gene Marlin. Our prayers continue to be with his family. What a TRIBUTE given to him by the HUNDREDS of you who took your time to pay your respects to him during visitation as well as the services.
Bethesda News: Holding special memories for a longtime friend who passed away recently
Thought for the week — The BEST times in LIFE are MADE a THOUSAND times BETTER when SHARED with a DEAR FRIEND! We have SOOOOO many Dear Friends whom we TREASURE, but ONE of them passed away recently whom we met when we attended, for the FIRST time, the BATTLEFIELD REGION ANTIQUE CAR CLUB MEETING that was held at the MELLOW MUSHROOM in Downtown Franklin. He is Ronnie Pitt.
Bethesda News: Special thanks to all who made the Fourth of July celebrations so special
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: THE MOST IMPORTANT thing YOU MUST DO EVERY DAY is to PUT GOD FIRST. GOD BLESS AMERICA! WOW! What a GREAT Way to CELEBRATE OUR 250th year of OUR COUNTRY than the way in which FRANKLIN and WILLIAMSON COUNTY did on the 4th. I wish I had SPACE to LIST EVERYONE who had a PART in seeing how well this day was CELEBRATED, but you KNOW WHO you are.
Bethesda News: We can learn a lot by just listening to the Voice of God
Thought for the week — RECENTLY I have been learning that LIFE comes down to THIS: GOD IS IN EVERYTHING. Regardless of what DIFFICULTIES WE are Experiencing, at the moment, or WHAT things are NOT as WE would LIKE them to BE, WE LOOK at the circumstances and say, “LORD, WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY TO ME?” Maybe, we as individuals, need to LOOK at OURSELVES and ANSWER the above question.
Bethesda News: Happy Father’s Day to all those who answer to Dad, new ones and older ones alike
Thought for the week — Let us THINK about EACH other and HELP EACH other to SHOW LOVE and DO GOOD deeds. As I looked ahead on my calendar, I realized that FATHER’S DAY would be OVER before my NEXT Column, so I WANT to say “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY” to EACH of you who are a Father. Some may have years of being one and then others of you may be celebrating for the FIRST time this year.
Bethesda News: For all she did, Judy Hayes was a great citizen of Williamson County
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK — KINDNESS in THIS World will do MUCH to help others, NOT ONLY to COME into the LIGHT, but ALSO to Grow in GRACE Day by Day! This is going to be the HARDEST paragraph that I have written since I began writing 42 years ago. My THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK made me think of my DEAR cousin and GREAT CITIZEN of WILLIAMSON COUNTY, JUDY GRIGSBY HAYES. It is sooo hard for me to GRASP the FACT that she has “Gone to a BETTER Place” than we are in.
Bethesda News: Rodeo is another ‘feather in our hat’ — not that we need it!
Thought for the week — Have FAITH in the Lord YOUR God, and YOU will STAND Strong. Have FAITH in HIS Prophets and YOU will SUCCEED! CONGRATULATIONS to our FRANKLIN RODEO who is CELEBRATING 75 years of being a BIG part of our CITY/COUNTY. The parade was this past Saturday, at NOON, in DOWNTOWN Franklin. Hopefully you were able to be a part of this event seeing ALL of the BEAUTIFUL HORSES, FLOATS,BANDS ,COMMUNITY GROUPS, LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS.
Bethesda News: This Saturday marks the eagerly awaited Country Ham Breakfast at Bethesda UMC
Thought for the week — Fear NOT for I am with YOU! Be NOT Dismayed, for I AM your GOD. I will STRENGTHEN you, YES, I will HELP you. I will UPHOLD you with MY RIGHTEOUS Right hand! I have received NUMEROUS calls asking “When is the Country Ham Breakfast at Bethesda U.M. Church”? Well, I have your answer. It is THIS Saturday, April 25th, at the church, located on Bethesda Road.
Bethesda News: Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s 150th anniversary will be one to celebrate
Thought for the week — EVERYTHING God made is GOOD and NOTHING should be REFUSED if it is ACCEPTED with THANKS! We can SURELY say that GOD had a HAND in SEEING that the members of FRANKLIN CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH would be CELEBRATING their 150th ANNIVERSARY on Sunday, April 12th, at 2:30 p.m. EVERYONE is INVITED to come and help them CELEBRATE. The SOUTHRIDGE QUARTET will be the Guest Singers.
Bethesda News: Coming from a large family can instill great life lessons about sharing
Thought for the Week — I think the GREATEST benefit to having a BIG family, especially a family with five or more children, is that it is HARDER to be SELFISH. In today’s PROSPEROUS World, It is HARD to TEACH our children SACRIFICE. Being ONE, of NINE children, I can surely relate to our “Thought For the Week”. Having six brothers, and two sisters, I learned to share as well as “do without”, but WE did KNOW the LOVE of a mother who saw that we were LOVED.
Bethesda News: It was a very deep shock when I learned of a good friend's passing
Thought for the week — Put YOUR hand in the HAND of God. HE GIVES the CALMNESS and SERENITY of HEART and SOUL. I have just returned home from attending the funeral of a DEAR friend and one who seems like family. She is Jennifer Flaugher. I was soooo shocked and VERY DEEPLY saddened when I learned of her UNEXPECTED death on February 21st. It seemed it was only yesterday that she called to say "THANKS" for the article I wrote about her RETIREMENT.
Bethesda News: Dr. David Snowden is someone who shows endless love for his community
Thought for the week — When we do LITTLE Acts of Kindness that make LIFE more bearable for SOMEONE else, we are WALKING in LOVE as the Bible COMMANDS us. As I sat down, at my computer, to begin my column for today, Feb. 26, I REALIZED that it was the Sunday AFTER Valentine Day. The Word ”LOVE” kept coming to mind. I thought of the 13th Chapter of Corinthians, known as the “LOVE Chapter.
Bethesda News: A big shout-out to all who made a difference during the recent storms
Thought for the week — Whenever YOU are able, do GOOD to PEOPLE who NEED Help! WOW! I thought about buying an ad to PUBLISH in the HERALD to THANK ALL of the ones who gave of their time to HELP those of us in WILLIAMSON COUNTY and surrounding areas for ALL they did during the SEVERE Snow and Ice Storm. I do KNOW that MTE Linemen needs a BIG “THANK YOU” for the hours they “put in” during this time.
Bethesda News: A few buttercups were spotted recently, but winter’s not easing up just yet
Thought for the week — REJOICE ALWAYS! PRAY CONSTANTLY! Give THANKS in EVERYTHING for THIS is God’s WILL for YOU in Christ Jesus! Can you believe that this is the FOURTH Week of January? The older I get it seems as though TIME is just FLYING by! My prayers are that this cold weather will soon PASS us by. I did see a patch of buttercups, in bloom, at a home on Bethesda Road.
Bethesda News: Thanks to God, we have reached another year, and 90 is just around the corner
Thought for the week — For WHATEVER life holds for you and your family in the coming days, weave the UNFAILING fabric of GOD”S WORD through YOUR heart and mind. It WILL hold STRONG, even if the REST of life UNRAVELS! HAPPY NEW YEAR to EACH of you from Russell and ME! WOW! When I sat down to begin my column I REALIZED that WE have made it through ANOTHER year with the HELP of GOD.
Bethesda News: Prayers for all to have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s, and for holding on to memories
Thought for the week — REMEMBER THAT JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR to EACH OF YOU from Russell and me. We PRAY that you have a wonderful time with your family and friends. As I have stated, during HOLIDAYS that I KNOW some of you have lost loved ones during this year and that CELEBRATIONS will NOT be the same, but just THINK of ALL the GREAT MEMORIES you have of them.
Bethesda News: Large truck recently seen carried a huge sign promoting the love of God
Thought for the week — CONNECT to GOD — THE PASSWORD is PRAYER. As I was going home recently, from having attended the funeral of my nephew, Jerry Gillespie, I was in traffic, on Mack Hatcher, and was behind a large truck and was SOOOOOOO blessed when I looked up and saw the above on the back of their truck. It was such a BLESSING to know that we have businesses who do NOT mind PROMOTING the LOVE of GOD.
Bethesda News: Thanksgiving is a time for family and the kindness of friends and strangers
Thought for the week — Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do EVERYTHING in the NAME of JESUS, giving THANKS to GOD the Father, through HIM! How can it be a year since we last celebrated Thanksgiving? SOOOO much has happened in these past months. We have EXPERIENCED Happiness and Sadness during this time.
Bethesda News: Former student gives teacher and coach a truly special gift through a kidney donation
Thought for the week — LOVE is SITTING beside SOMEONE, doing NOTHING, yet FEELING COMPLETELY HAPPY. Have you EVER thought about BECOMING an Organ Donor? Hopefully, the majority of you have heard or read or SEEN the segment on TV of the GREAT GIFT that Jackie Bennett received from a FORMER student. Kelly Wilkerson had NOT seen her Teacher and Coach for 30 years.
Bethesda News: Look to God to help you get through all your trials and tribulations
Thought for the week — SOMETIMES you have to REMIND yourself that you are STRONG and CAN get through ANYTHING! The “Thought for the week” is soooo true and there are those of you who have to do just that with what ALL you are having to go through as the CARETAKER of a LOVED one or as you sit helplessly wondering what the NEXT step you need to take. I have instilled in my children that “THIS TOO SHALL PASS” as well as “LET GO … LET GOD”.
Bethesda News: As October is breast cancer awareness month, it’s key to do self-examinations
Thought for the week — Whenever we have the OPPORTUNITY we should do GOOD to EVERYONE — ESPECIALLY to those in the FAMILY of FAITH! I feel sure that you are aware that October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. This past Saturday was the YEARLY Susan G. Komen Cancer Walk in Nashville.
Bethesda News: Get ready for plenty of family fun, fellowship and food with upcoming events
Thought for the week — DON’T give up PRAYING for those you LOVE. GOD will WORK on them in HIS own UNIQUE way. WOW! Hope you have your calendar for ALL the EVENTS that will be taking place this weekend. It is FILLED with FAMILY FUN, FELLOWSHIP, and FOOD. This is the 20th year for the ‘ALLYOU CAN EAT” Catfish dinner at Walker Baptist Church. They will begin serving at 4 p.m. If you do not have your ticket then you can purchase them at the door.
Bethesda News: ‘Big Class Reunion’ scheduled for this Saturday for grads of Bethesda High School
Thought for the week — If you want a long and healthy life, closely follow our Lord’s instructions. NEVER tire of LOYALTY and KINDNESS. HOLD these virtues TIGHTLY. This Saturday, Sept. 13, is the date for the BIG CLASS REUNION for FOUR of the classes of Bethesda High School Classes of ’72-’73- ’74 and ’75, They will gather at the home of Ronnie Mangrum for a GREAT evening of FELLOWSHIP, FUN, and of course FOOD. I am requesting that someone, PLEASE, let me know as to how many attended, etc.
Bethesda News: Thanks to all who sent congrats after I was named Community Spotlight Recipient for August
Thought for the week — This is the Day that the Lord has MADE. Let US REJOICE and be GLAD in IT. There is NOT enough space, in my column, for me to write EACH of your names, plus, I am afraid that I would leave someone out so ALL I can say to EACH of you is “THANK YOU” from the bottom of my heart for ALL the messages, calls, cards, e-mails, that I recently received from you.
Bethesda News: Eli Stephens, Boy Scout Troop 27 did us proud with project in College Grove
Thought for the week — The GOODNESS you receive from GOD is a TREASURE for you to SHARE with OTHERS. I only wish our NEWS Media would “Pick Up” on stories like the following I am writing about. “HATS OFF” to Eli Stephens and the Boy Scout Troop 27, of College Grove, who recently spent a VERY HOT Saturday cleaning and restoring 34 headstones of the HISTORIACAL SPROTT CEMETERY, located on Byrd Lane. Eli chose this as his PROJECT to receive his EAGLE SCOUT AWARD.
Bethesda News: Eli Stephens and Boy Scout Troop 27 did us proud with project in College Grove
Thought for the week — The GOODNESS you receive from GOD is a TREASURE for you to SHARE with OTHERS. I only wish our NEWS Media would “Pick Up” on stories like the following I am writing about. “HATS OFF” to Eli Stephens and the Boy Scout Troop 27, of College Grove, who recently spent a VERY HOT Saturday cleaning and restoring 34 headstones of the HISTORIACAL SPROTT CEMETERY, located on Byrd Lane. Eli chose this as his PROJECT to receive his EAGLE SCOUT AWARD.
Bethesda News: Please welcome home Tavon Bagsby, who was released from Georgia hospital after a rodeo injury
Thought for the week — Just as our FAITH strengthens our PRAYER life, so do our PRAYERS deepen our FAITH. Let us PRAY often, starting TODAY, for a DEEPER, more POWERFUL FAITH. Just as I was beginning to write this column I received word that Tavon Bagsby had been released from Shepherd’s hospital, in Georgia. and was coming home. (You cannot tell me that PRAYERS have not been HEARD and ANSWERED for this young man.) He will be receiving outpatient care at a Rehab in Murfreesboro.
Bethesda News: Communities feel a void with the passing of 3 longtime Bethesda residents
Thought for the week — Have FAITH in the Lord YOUR God and you will STAND strong. Have FAITH in HIS prophets and YOU Will SUCCEED! I am sure that you have heard the saying “Things happen in threes.” Well, that is what we, in the Bethesda Community, as well as surrounding communities, felt when we learned of the passing of Janice McGee, Donald “Duck” Buford, and Lincoln Benefield. Our communities feel a void due to their passing.
Bethesda News: High school reunion to be held in September for 4 Bethesda classes from the 1970s
Thought for the week — EVERY day, God gives you MANY reasons to REJOICE. The GIFTS are HIS, but the REJOICING is up to YOU! I feel sure there will be A LOT of REJOICING when ALL of the CLASSMATES of the Bethesda Classes of “72-“73-“74- and “75 get together in September for their 50+ Class Reunion.
Bethesda News: Summertime means ice cream suppers and summer festivals
Thought for the week — When we bring SUNSHINE into the LIVES of others, we are WARMED by it ourselves. It seems ONLY yesterday that I was CONGRATULATING Casey Stephens on him becoming the owner of Lawrence Funeral Home in Chapel Hill. TODAY I am CONGRATULATING him, as well as wishing him the BEST of LUCK, on his recent announcement of ESTABLISHING “STEPHENS FUNERAL SERVICE AND CREMATION SERVICES“ in Franklin.
Bethesda News: Plenty happening this summer, so get out your calendars
Thought for the week — Do NOT waste time on what you COULD have done DIFFERENTLY. KEEP your EYES on the ROAD AHEAD and do IT DIFFERENTLY NOW! Hopefully you have your calendar with you or else SAVE this article as I am giving you the dates for EVENTS that I have up to AUGUST. Beginning with Sunday, June 1st, you are invited to Mt. Carmel C.P. Church for their HOMECOMING. Guest Quartet will be SOUTHRIDGE, which our pastor, Joe Copolo, is a member.
Bethesda News: ‘Thank You’ note from Judy Hayes for prayers as she recovers from illness
Thought for the week — Replace WORRY with PRAYER! Make the decision to PRAY whenever you catch yourself worrying. The following is a “THANK YOU” note to EACH of you from Judy Hayes. You may not be aware that she has been in the hospital for over a week and NOW she MAY be at Encoompass for Rehab. We, too, were worrying about the outcome of her tests, but rather than that we ALL turned to PRAYING! So many Prayer Chains were being “sent up” to God and HE HEARD and ANSWERED them.
Bethesda News: Weekend is filled with plenty to eat, great music, arts and crafts, and time for worship
Thought for the week — Rejoice ALWAYS — PRAY without Ceasing. In EVERYTHING give THANKS, for this is the WILL of God in Christ Jesus, for YOU! WOW! If you LOVE to EAT, listen to GREAT music, while dancing, LOVE ARTS and CRAFTS, and then Worship while listening to a WELL KNOWN Quartet, then this is the weekend for you. Saturday morning, April 25, you are invited to Bethesda U.M. Church for their ANNUAL COUNTRY HAM BREAKFAST.
Bethesda News: As calendar turns toward Easter Sunday, plenty of ways in store to worship
Thought for the week — When YOU make a VOW to God, do NOT delay to fulfill it. HE has NO pleasure in fools: FULFILL your VOW! Our ANNUAL Community Easter Sunrise Services will take place at the Charlie Bennett Bethesda Ballpark at 6 a.m. Sharlet Panhalkar , pastor of Bethesda and Wesley Chapel U.M. Churches, will deliver the message. Anthony Bishop, pastor of Bethesda Presbyterian Church, along with other Lay Leaders of the community will be taking part.
AI in the Classroom: Making Student Projects and Presentations Stand Out
Presenting material is no longer the only goal of school projects and presentations; instead, you also need to stand out, captivate your audience, and demonstrate your originality. Students are discovering innovative ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their work as schools adopt technology.
Bethesda News: Readers of this column are quick to show much love and kindness toward others
Thought for the week — Christ provides us with a wardrobe of “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Clothed by HIM, we reflex HIS LOVE for the WORLD. When I read the above ALL I could think of was the LOVE that you, the readers, have for others. I received the SWEETEST letter from Mrs. Ruby Perry, mother of DeWayne Perry, wanting to tell me how MUCH she APPRECIATED the cards she received from those of you who sent them to her.
Bethesda News: Set your calendars for all the upcoming spaghetti suppers, fish fries and ice cream galas
Thought for the week — Accept EACH day as it comes to you. Do NOT waste your TIME and ENERGY wishing for a DIFFERENT set of CIRCUMSTANCES! You will need to get your calendar so you can START marking Community Events. We are beginning with Spaghetti Supper, Fish fry, and then the dates will start coming in for the ANNUAL Ice Cream Suppers. Some of these dates are “Set in Stone” as they have been for YEARS.
Bethesda News: ‘Angel Around the Throne’ was a beautiful tribute to a longtime friend who passed
Thought for the week — The TRUTH is that even in the midst of trouble, HAPPY moments swim by us EVERY day like fish waiting to be caught! You may recall that in my last column, I had just been made aware of the passing of Eunice Lillard, as I was submitting it to Press. There are soooo many memories that I have of her and her late husband, Walter. I feel as though Bethesda/Peytonsville/Cross Keys, has lost another one of our Matriach.
Bethesda News: Valentine’s Day is the time for love, so be sure to share it with that special someone
Thought for the week: Be CREATIVE! There are MANY ways to say “I Love You.” Find them. Use them, and KEEP using them. As you know, tomorrow, Friday, February 14th is Valentine’s Day! Hopefully you do not have to be reminded to tell those, whom you love, how much they mean to you and that you DO LOVE them! You should NOT have to wait for a SPECIAL day to do just that, because EVERY day should be a “Day of Love”.
Bethesda News: Meeting a stranger with a smile I will never forget was a sure blessing
Thought for the week — Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as SETTING the scene for God’s GLORIOUS intervention. Keep your eyes and your mind WIDE open to ALL HE is doing in YOUR life. Have you ever met someone, for the first time, and felt as though you have known them ALL your life? Well, that is what happened to me when I met “Miss” Ruby Perry. She was with her son, DeWayne Perry, attending Worship Services at Mt. Carmel C.P. Church.
Bethesda News: With losses both nationally and locally, it has been a time of grieving
Thought for the week — Because God is trustworthy — and because HE has made promises to YOU that HE intends to keep —YOU are protected. The LORD ALWAYS keeps HIS promises. TRUST Him! As I sat down to write my column for this week there were sooooo many things going through my head.
Bethesda News: Longtime friend is honored as family, friends celebrate her 90th birthday
Thought for the week — JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON! Russell and I would like to take this opportunity to WISH EACH of you a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am soooo excited to be writing about one of my school classmate who has just celebrated her 90th birthday. She is NOT only MY friend, but to a lot of people as well as a GREAT mother, grandmother, relative, and neighbor. She is Grace Tomlin Glenn. She was honored on Sunday, Dec.
Bethesda News: I’m forever thankful for all of you who have read my column over the past 50 years
Thought for the week — Fill up the spare moments of your life with PRAISE and THANKSGIVING. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to EACH of you from Russell and me. I realize that some of you may be saying to yourself, “What is there to be thankful for” due to the fact that you have lost a loved one over this past year, but as I have said to you MANY times, just stop and COUNT ALL the many blessings you have of the one whom you loved and I guarantee they will OUTWEIGH the sorrow in your heart.
Bethesda News: All are welcome to Mt. Carmel church’s annual community Thanksgiving services
Thought for the week — Prayer is NOT getting things FROM God; Prayer is getting into PERFECT communion WITH God. Members of Mt. Carmel Cumberland Presbyterian Church would like to invite EACH of you to our ANNUAL COMMUNITY Thanksgiving Services. They will be Sunday evening, November 24th at 6 p.m. Pastor Joe Copolo will deliver the message, with other pastors, as well as Lay leaders, being a part of the service. Special music will be provided by Charlie Haffner and Ron Reid.
Bethesda News: Hospital stay gave first-hand look at Williamson Medical’s excellent care for patients
Thought for the week — The goodness you receive from God is a TREASURE for you to SHARE with others. WOW! How in the WORLD can I EVER be able to say “THANK YOU” to EACH of you who have offered prayers on my behalf?
Bethesda News: We never know what might happen, so always let your family know you love them
Thought for the week — When we do little acts of kindness that make life more bearable for someone else, we are WALKING in LOVE as the Bible COMMANDS us. If you have been listening to the news as well as watching it on TV, you can SEE the ACTS of Kindness that are being shown during the Hurricane Helene. Also, right here in our community when the TRAGIC accident that took the life of Jenna Addison.
Bethesda News: Places to go, people to see - lists of upcoming events getting longer
Thought for the week — Joy is a by product not of happy circumstances, education, or talent, but of a healthy relationship with God and a determination to LOVE HIM no matter what! WOW! I thought the summer months were FILLED with EVENTS, but honestly I believe fall and the months ahead are EQUALLY to them. This weekend is FILLED with events that you can choose from or even try to take them ALL in. Tonight, September 27, you are invited to College Grove Recreation Center for “Bingo at The Grove”.
Bethesda News: There is much happening in September, so get your calendars ready
Thought for the Week — Joy is a by-product NOT of happy circumstances, education, or talent, but of a healthy relationship with God and a determination to LOVE HIM no matter what! WHERE did these past eight months go? It seems ONLY yesterday that I was wishing EACH of you a “Happy New YEAR” and now we have just passed Labor Day. There are soooooo many things happening this month that hopefully I have NOT overlooked ANY that you have sent me.
Bethesda News: There is much happening in September, so get your calendars ready
Thought for the Week — Joy is a by-product NOT of happy circumstances, education, or talent, but of a healthy relationship with God and a determination to LOVE HIM no matter what! WHERE did these past eight months go? It seems ONLY yesterday that I was wishing EACH of you a “Happy New YEAR” and now we have just passed Labor Day. There are soooooo many things happening this month that hopefully I have NOT overlooked ANY that you have sent me.
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