With the increase in violence and the many tragic losses that occur nationally, there is an increased need to consider how to deal with the anniversaries of these events. This is especially true if you have had a loved one who was a victim of violence or you know someone who will be deeply affected by the anniversary.

Two dogs were resting under a tree in the park. Butch, the collie said, “Look at that dog walking with his mater. He has no freedom like we do while he is on that leash.” The other dog, a shepherd named Sleepy replied, “Actually, he has no freedom even off the leash. When the leash is removed at his master’s home, the home belongs to his master and the yard where he lives is fenced and belongs to his master. The food and water comes from his master. The dog owns nothing of his own.”

Saw a quote recently that needs to be read by more people: “There are only two decent places for dirty laundry; the clothes hamper and the washing machine.” Very accurate. Seems social media is the favorite place for some folks to air their dirty laundry.

Hot weather during the old days by Bunny Baker In May, when school was out, the weather was pleasant and life was enjoyable. As July and August approach, the hot summer days set in and for the most part, it was hard to enjoy the scorching hot days of summer.

John 3:3-6 "Jesus answered and said unto him,Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." April 17th is a VERY SPECIAL date for me.

A young man was leery about it. A well-dressed older gentleman handed him a check. “My wealth will soon mean nothing to me. Here is a check, written against my personal bank account in the amount of one and one half a million dollars. Just sign the check.”

There are six fundamentals of grief recovery, which are very important to the grieving process. Most people try to avoid them, not knowing that they are delaying their healing and advancement to the future. Let’s examine and evaluate them and apply them also to our situation in order to better understanding if we are grieving to see if we are or can implement any of these six great criteria to recovering from our grief.

We all see them, at Wal Mart, the workplace, or looking in the mirror. Maybe with a sling on their arm, or favoring a strained back muscle, or limping through the door on their good leg.

Mothers weep while cradling their babies. Men, too feeble to flee, are crying. Husbands, wives, young school children and teenagers shiver from the cold. Some cradle a valuable pet. Most only had time to dress and leave home. All sit on a cold concrete floor in a dark and smelly basement room. You are now like them; a refugee! Your storm has come.

A package of bills moving through the Legislature could block all but the most wellfunded groups from getting a question on the ballot through Oklahoma’s initiative and referendum process, experts and advocates are warning.