Bye, Bye, December 2011. You were a wonderful year. I want to thank you for all you did for us in 2011. You kept us healthy, you kept us together, and
you provided for our every need. We had our ups and our downs, but you were there for us. Our BSU group is stronger than it has ever been. Our Annual
reunions are well attended-- our group enrollment continues to grow little by little-and our love and concern for each other is unbelievable after 70+ years.
December was a wonderful month--weather was good--no snow--no extreme cold and no reported deaths among our group.. I received Christmas cards from everywhere.
Our group has expanded into over 23 states. We followed the leadership of our Lord and He has led us into all avenues of life--here--there and everywhere.
I am so grateful for our BSU friends. We are so blessed. Now,January is here!! And, so is 2012. We turn our calenders to a new year, a new month, a new day,
and now new news. Thank you Lord for your love and goodness to us!
January News 2012
- I had a note from Ruth Doughty asking me to change her Email address:
Ruth Doughty ruthestherd@yahoo.com
- A note from the Stuckeys -- Last July we moved into our condo that we purchased back in 1989, looking for a retirement place, while still actively
leading the Baptist Church on Ft. Myers Beach. We’ve had it rented all these years and it became empty just as we decided that Barkley Place was a
little too confining for us at this stage. We like it here and are happily settled and very involved with our church, Southwest Baptist. We sing in the
choir, co-teach a Sunday school class and serve as their Missions Coordinators. Our Schnauzer, Misty, almost 12 years old, keeps us exercised with her
walking schedule. Retirement is great, less stress and more time for the Lord.
Our address:
9627 Eaton Garden’s Lane #103,
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Bob’s cell is 239-699-2612
Suzi’s cell239-214-2034
bobstuckey@juno.com
suzi98@juno.com
- A Very Special letter from Bob Mann to Helen Galloway:
Because of my inability to remain a long time at the computer, I am sending Christmas greetings a few at a time, which requires an early "posting".
We do pray that you will have a meaningful Christmas.
I recall meeting you for the first time. One of your former pastors pointed you out, adding a disrespectful remark -- his way of showing his deep respect for
you at the time. I, also, recall your leading us in the "hokey-pokey" at the only BSU reunion we have attended -- an act which, when we reported it to an
always "proper" brother-in-law and his always "proper" wife, brought expressions of dismay. (I enjoyed participating.)
We are sincerely grateful for your labors of love that have enabled us and others to keep in touch with others. At 93 and 91, with 70 years of marriage that
began in BSU, we have fewer and fewer such "others." In recent days I have often thought: "What if there had been no BSU? Thank you for myself and my
girl from BSU. ~ BOB
- Address for Kenneth Hall--both winter and summer.
| New Summer Address | Winter Address |
| 203 Honey Locust Lane | 3165 E. University Dr. |
| Greenville, Illinois 62246 | Space 839 |
| | Mesa, Arizona 85213 |
Cell Phones:
Kenny 618 267 9454 |
Betty 618 267 7009 |
- A Facebook note from Bill Jenkins:
I love to witness older people get excited and express happiness in what they are doing. This afternoon we had announced that Santa Claus was coming to
Saddlebrook apartment (senior citizens complex) and we would have a sing-a-long of Christmas carols, as they had their pictures taken with Santa. After me
playing Santa for 35 years, I invited my 17 year old grandson to have the honor. He was thrilled, excited and did a great job. The people fell in love with
him. He handed out peppermint candy canes and a Christmas greeting card we made. Janet our daughter and Jennifer our granddaughter led in a sing along.
Christians have a blast.
- ANOTHER NOTE FROM BOB MANN:
You mentioned that the Dr. and his wife "did not understand you". An anecdote:
Years ago a daughter gave me a large pig shaped bar of soap for Christmas. At the risk of justifying the implications of her gift, I must -- indeed,
I cannot help myself -- make the following observation:
For you or anyone else to expect the Dr. or any other man to understand you or any other woman is an expectation devoid of any hope of fulfillment!
Signed: the beloved son of his mother, the blessed husband of his fine wife, the proud father of three daughter and their achievement, the somewhat
bewildered grandfather of three granddaughters,......
How could I possibly be a chauvinist???
- Please remember John and Agnes Davis in your prayers. They have both had major surgery this past year. John a hip--and Agnes a broken Pelvis. It
seems that us old people fall so easily.
- I received 50 Christmas cards for BSU members. Thank you all so very much.
- A note from Sharon and Cal Reynolds:
Here is a glimpse of what has been happening in our family. Cal is still pastoring Maranatha Baptist Church in Rock Falls, Illinois. He is thoroughly
pleased with what God is doing here and considers it a privilege to still be used of God. He turns 70 in January and continues to be in good health. He
is also serving as the associational Church Strengthening Team Leader, and he serves on the Resource Development Team of the Illinois Baptist Executive
Committee. He finds some diversion in garden and yard work. Sharon is still the “crafty lady”, as always. She directed the drama in our associational
musical entitled, “Goodwill to Men”. The stage was a Goodwill Store scene. It was a great witness to a lot of lost and unchurched people. She continues
to serve as Activities Director for our church and assists in teaching where needed.
- From Jane Stockton:
I'm changing my email address from jwstockton@aol.com to jwstockton1@gmail.com.
Please add my new address to your contact list.
~ Jane Stockton
- I received this note from one of my favorite BSU friends. She sent me several favorite--- MAXINE"S . And then she added---
Why does Maxine remind me of you, Helen? ( I have no idea Becky)
I loved this little poem . Sent to me by Joy Mayo.(See Below) It will be my closing thought--Enjoy --Thank you, Joy
Love and Best Wishes for 2012
1949 Graduate
Your BSU President, Emeritus
Helen Galloway
Dear Lord,
Every single evening
As I'm lying here in bed,
This tiny little Prayer
Keeps running through my head:
God bless all my family
Wherever they may be,
Keep them warm And safe from harm
For they're so close to me..
And God, there is one more thing
I wish that you could do;
Hope you don't mind me asking,
Please bless my computer too.
Now I know that it's unusual
To Bless a motherboard,
But listen just a second
While I explain it to you, Lord.
You see, that little metal box
Holds more than odds and ends;
Inside those small compartments
Rest so many of my friends.
I know so much about them
By the kindness that they give,
And this little scrap of metal
Takes me in to where they live.
By faith is how I know them
Much the same as you.
We share in what life brings us
And from that our friendships grew..
Please take an extra minute
From your duties up above,
To bless those in my address book
That's filled with so much love.
Wherever else this prayer may reach
To each and every friend,
Bless each e-mail inbox
And each person who hits 'send'.
When you update your Heavenly list
On your own Great CD-ROM,
Bless everyone who says this prayer
Sent up to GOD.Com
Amen,
Joy Mayo
