A mix of clouds and sun. High near 85F. Winds light and variable..

Mostly clear. Low 66F. Winds light and variable.

Decherd Mayor Michael Gillespie resigned Friday morning amid allegations of misuse of authority.

Decherd Mayor Michael Gillespie resigned Friday morning amid allegations of misuse of authority.

The Franklin County Rebels beat the Tullahoma Wildcats 41-20 at home Friday in a preseason scrimmage.

(BPT) - Aug. 20 is National Lemonade Day, and with temperatures reaching record highs, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a thirst-quenching lemonade treat.

It seemed to happen suddenly, but I knew deep down I'd been forewarned just a few years before.

And now, here we are – my husband and I, our cat, and a full towel rack in our bathroom.

As parents of three children, my husband likes to point out we've gotten our money's worth from our washing machine. Add to the number in our family the jobs and activities over the years, including farming, cattle showing, playing various sports and hunting, and there was rarely a day I didn't wash at least two loads.

I really haven't minded all the washing (I can't say that about all the chores). But it's been important to me to stay caught up in keeping our clothes and linens clean. I don't like an overflowing laundry basket – it burdens me. The folded clothes may sit in piles, by person, on the table near the laundry area, but at least they're clean and ready.

One challenge for years was keeping our bath towel rack fully loaded. It sits beside our shower/tub combination and holds four towels. Of course, I can overlap towels and force it to hold more. But generally, as soon as I'd stock it, those towels seemed to grow legs and walk off.

One day as I arranged fresh towels in alternating colors on the rack, it seemed to whisper, “You know it won't be long before all this will slow down.” Knowing the voice was right, I realized how thankful I was for what all the washing represented.

What a whirlwind of activity has filled our home since we moved in more than 30 years ago! It's been a beautiful ebb and flow of family life. Rather than be sad at the transition from one season to the next as our children one by one moved out, I choose to thank God for his many blessings. And I praise his goodness – yesterday, today and tomorrow!

As I thank him for his precious gift of family, I pray for continued protection and guidance for ours and for each one to lean into him and grow in relationship with him only more and more in the seasons ahead.

And I can't help thinking what a busy time this is for so many families as school bells again ring. Those folders that come home from the first day of school with so many forms to fill out are still fresh in my mind.

Finding last-minute school supplies like the elusive folder of a certain color with both pockets and prongs is like a scavenger hunt requiring a trip to at least three stores to find.

Ah, I remember. With so many negative headlines surrounding schools these days, I've honestly been thankful our children are older and no longer in school. But in this new season, we have a grandchild. Although he is not even 1 year old, we know time flies.

So I find myself praying for families with children of all ages returning to school, for the teachers, support staff, administrators and leaders. And I'm reminded of a long ago conversation with my dad.

I was a teenager and was talking with my dad about the state of the world. It was the 1980s. I'd heard someone question whether people should even have children to try to raise in these dark times. That warning troubled me, so I asked Dad what he thought.

Although I don't remember his exact words, I remember being relieved at his answer and that he didn't agree with that pessimistic outlook. He said he believed there would be plenty of good ahead and he thought people should definitely raise families. After all, the Bible says children are a heritage from the lord.

And despite the headlines that scream otherwise, I still agree. And in this earthly life, we can choose to look for the good. It is there. But in this season, I realize I must also choose to be the good … do the good … shine light on the good.

We should never stick our heads in the sand, but instead must be vigilant in protecting, promoting and encouraging what is good. And families are good. So good! Thanks be to God!

I guess in a way it's like keeping up with the laundry. Let us not allow dirty laundry in our hearts or homes to pile up and burden us. Instead, let us work to be clean, fresh and ready for use.

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will also be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

Gina Moore, a news-editorial journalism major, has operated Marketplace Consignment Sale for 27 years and has worked part-time at Treasures. She also enjoys country cooking, reading and writing about motherhood, life on the farm and how God’s love and lessons surround residents.

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.

Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.

Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.

Check your email for details.

Invalid password or account does not exist

Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.

An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.

Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.

A receipt was sent to your email.