Bye, Bye, January 2012. You were here for 31 days. We enjoyed your stay! We had warm sunny days, cold dreary days and a few snowy days. What a variety you sent us to enjoy. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. We stayed in a lot, worked puzzles, enjoyed Facebook, learned to use a new cell phone (Christmas Gift) and listened to the candidates spread their "propaganda" on TV. Now, you are gone (and so fast too). February is here. We enjoyed January but look forward to a new month, and new news. In January we heard from the following BSU members. All of us are getting older, more dependent, have more needs and face constant changes in our everyday living. Yet, we are wiser, more understanding and more thoughtful of others. Our memories of past days are good, Grandchildren are precious to us, Christian Fellowship is a must and our Church means more to us everyday. Praise the Lord for January and thank YOU for February 2012. We plan to enjoy all 29 days.

NOW MY BSU NEW ITEMS

I was sadden over the death (Jan.6th) of my dear friend Cliff Burchyett. I have know Cliff for many years. I first met him while working in the church at Grand Tower in the early 50's. He was a dear friend of Dale Clemens too. (Love you, Earline)

Marge Ellsworth (A friend of many of us) had major surgery in early January for Colon Cancer (I don't think Marge is a BSU member). Those of us who know her--- love her. She is doing better.

Ruth Ann Scarborough fell and broke her wrist. She is recovering at home--Can't drive--Needs are prayers. HOWEVER SEE NUMBER 7 BELOW

Current information concerning Jim Ebbs:

Jim Ebbs is well and still lives in Royalton - He pastored there for years and now serves as Asst. Pastor. His address is Box 518, Royalton 62983 Phone: 618-984-2362 and his email address is jbebbs@frontier.com

A note From Rinnie Spencer I spent seven days in the hospital that is enough to taste all their food. I came home last night and I am now among the living again. I am having breathing problems, but the cough and all is much better. I am alive and God is Good. It is hard on the family when one is in the hospital. All is well now, and I am able to care for my self. Shirley checks often.

A note from Allen Jones:
Please correct the following 2 errors:
Jones, Allan & Evelyn
7593 Grassy Road
Carbondale, IL 52902
She spells her name Evlyn.
Zip Code is 62902.

A NOTE FROM RUTH ANN SCARBOROUGH "I'm going to Alaska this week to make an accreditation visit to a college up there. Yes. I know. Who goes to Alaska in January? You know to pull an old woman out of moth balls to make this trip, the Accrediting Agency must be desperate!! Anyway, I agreed, and so I'm preparing to leave EARLY Wed. morning for a three day jaunt. I would appreciate your prayers. It's been a while since I have done this. I've been told going through security at airports with this cast will require special treatment...not sure what that means exactly, but was told to allow extra time for clearance. (How much havoc can a 75 year old, one armed lady cause? ) I'm naturally expecting it to be cold...yesterday their high was -7, but please pray for weather to cooperate to get planes in and out without much delay. I don't relish spending more time there. The last thing for which I would appreciate your prayers is purely selfish, but I would like to have clear skies so we can see the Northern Lights. Do you think that's too much to ask? While it was Curt's idea and suggestion I take this gig, he is not looking forward to my being gone. Not that I've spoiled him all these years! So include him in your prayers as well. Yes, I had accepted this before I fell. The cast is scheduled to come off on Monday, the 30th. Bruises are healed. Stitches too. All that remains is the cast which is not a big deal medically. It is only an inconvenience. "

The death of Don Davis was a shock to all of us. I sent you the information when I received it. A brief summary is here. Don Died January 12. The funeral was held in Tennessee. Don was very active in the Baptist Convention Disaster Relief.

Norma Highsmith died January 24. Her funeral was held at the Calvary Church in Alton on Sat.Jan 28. I sent you all the information that I received about her death. Our heart are sadden at the news of her passing. She was loved by us all.....The following note was taken from Facebook Ann Nitsche Huebner AWonderful memorial service this morning for Norma Highsmith. A tribute to a life well lived. So many family and friends to hug and to cry with. Her casket was draped with one of her lovely quilts.

Well, that is all the news I have gathered from you this month. Pleae continue to send me all news concerning BSU members. I think I know most of you. I enjoy hearing about you and your families. "Keep those cards and letters coming."

I hope you will enjoy the 7 little sayings below. I did.

              1949 Graduate
              Your BSU President, Emeritus
              Helen Galloway

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps you Glowing, But .Only Friends
Keep You Going !!!
COPIED

Now, Read this!!! Now, Read this!!

"There is less than a year until the election, an election that will decide the next President of the United States . The person elected will be the president of all Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans. To show our solidarity as Americans, let's all get together and show each other our support for the candidate of our choice. It's time that we come together, Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike. If you support the policies and character of the Republican party, please drive with your headlights on during the day. If you support Obama, please drive with your headlights off at night. Thank you, may God bless you, and God bless America." (copied)