I would like to publicly commend Grace Baptist Church for its efforts to keep "Christ" in Christmas! Hearing news reports that the White House will have a "holiday tree"" as opposed to the traditional Christmas tree, the church purchased 100 "Merry Christmas" badges and is selling them for #1 each with proceeds going to the church building fund, according to member and friend Betsy Wilds. I'm wearing one, proudly and wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas"!
In these times of political correctness when the government and society tries not to offend anyone, it often seems that our society tries to take God out of our culture altogether. That very much offends me! Even though I fail Him every day, it is in GOD that I trust and upon JESUS that I depend for my salvation!
Let's resist these persistent efforts to take God out of our schools, institutions, and society and stop this movement to take CHRIST out of Christmas. Christ is Christmas! The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the very essence of the Christmas season. This 'happy holidays' greeting is humbug. How can any holiday or any other day be happy without Christ in your life and without the joy that all Christians should feel in knowing that by trusting in Christ, by the grace of God, we have eternal life. That is something to be "merry" about in Christ. So I say very loudly and clearly....MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Honor Our Veterans
Today and every day let's seek to honor our veterans here in Patrick County and throughout the United State. They are to be commended for their efforts to secure and maintain the freedoms that we enjoy but all to often take for granted in this great nation. I salute the veterans of Patrick County who are living and honor the memory of those who have given their lives in service to our country. As we honor our veterans for thei sacrifices, let's pray for the U.S. troops who are stationed around the wold today to defend, with their lives, the freedoms and way of life that we as proud Americans hold dear.
Monday, November 9, 2009
An Inspiring Lady
Today, I'm trying to follow the example of an elderly Patrick Co. lady who inspired me during Friday's 21st annual Health Fair. With her positive attitude, I "just keep going", said 96-yer-old Etta McGhee when asked the key to her long healthy life. Let's all smile and think positively as we 'keep going' forward thanking God for the blessing of this day!
Ms. McGhee is a true community treasure. Alert and full of sweetness, she just "keeps on going" and inspiring others with her zest for live. Bless her heart. Bless you too!
Your morning radio friend,
Richard
Ms. McGhee is a true community treasure. Alert and full of sweetness, she just "keeps on going" and inspiring others with her zest for live. Bless her heart. Bless you too!
Your morning radio friend,
Richard
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Busy Tourist Season
Tourism is one of Patrick County's greatest economic assets. That has been most evident during eh month of October when the tourist season annually reaches its peak. It was inspiring to visit Meadows of Dan and the Blue Ridge Parkway this past weekend and to see the many visitors who crowded shops, restaurants, stores, and roadside produce stands. The mountain foliage was a little past its peak but tourists and local folks came to the mountains in droves to savor the flavor of fall in picturesque Patrick County.
Some of the stores and shops in Meadows of Dan business district on Sunday (Oct. 25) were so crowded with people that you could hardly walk. There was a throng of folks enjoying the scenery, entertainment, and restaurant at Mabry Mill. Rocky Knob was crowded with picnickers and hikers. The Lover's Leap overlook was jammed with visitors taking pictures and enjoying the breathtaking view of th valley below the mountain. At the Meadows of Dan Community Center, more than 5,000 patrons were served during the two Sundays of the annual Pancake Days co-sponsored by the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club and the Meadows of Dan Fire Department. Visitors from as far away as Canada and the Ukraine came to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Patrick County this fall to feast on buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes and to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and rustic scenery.
This past Sunday was but one example of the heavy tourist activity in Patrick County during the autumn season especially during its peak in October. Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, said visitors have flocked to Patrick County the last 3 weekends. "You talking about a crowd," said Bishop of the tourist activity this past weekend. I commend Tom Bishop for his tireless efforts to promote tourism and the business community in Patrick County.
Tourism is more important today in Patrick County than ever. It has helped to ease the heavy blow suffered by the county as far back as a decade ago when local manufacturing plants began cutting back or closing and textile and furniture jobs were shipped overseas. Tourism is vital to Patrick County! It is certainly the lifeblood of the mountaintop economy and a rapidly growing economic sector countywide. The most recent figures indicate that tourism brings in more than $21-million annually to Patrick County's economy. It means not only increased revenues for county merchants but jobs for a significant number of people in a county that is no stranger to double digit unemployment. Because of its great economic clout, I think we should do everything in our power to nurture and promote the tourist industry in Patrick County even if it involves investing some of our hard-earned county tax dollars. This investment will pay tremendous long-term dividends.
Thank you to the many tourists and visitors who have graced out county's scenic attractions with their presence this fall. We welcome you to come back often and experience the good life that we enjoy everyday living here in this beloved county that we affectionally call God's Country.
Some of the stores and shops in Meadows of Dan business district on Sunday (Oct. 25) were so crowded with people that you could hardly walk. There was a throng of folks enjoying the scenery, entertainment, and restaurant at Mabry Mill. Rocky Knob was crowded with picnickers and hikers. The Lover's Leap overlook was jammed with visitors taking pictures and enjoying the breathtaking view of th valley below the mountain. At the Meadows of Dan Community Center, more than 5,000 patrons were served during the two Sundays of the annual Pancake Days co-sponsored by the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club and the Meadows of Dan Fire Department. Visitors from as far away as Canada and the Ukraine came to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Patrick County this fall to feast on buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes and to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and rustic scenery.
This past Sunday was but one example of the heavy tourist activity in Patrick County during the autumn season especially during its peak in October. Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, said visitors have flocked to Patrick County the last 3 weekends. "You talking about a crowd," said Bishop of the tourist activity this past weekend. I commend Tom Bishop for his tireless efforts to promote tourism and the business community in Patrick County.
Tourism is more important today in Patrick County than ever. It has helped to ease the heavy blow suffered by the county as far back as a decade ago when local manufacturing plants began cutting back or closing and textile and furniture jobs were shipped overseas. Tourism is vital to Patrick County! It is certainly the lifeblood of the mountaintop economy and a rapidly growing economic sector countywide. The most recent figures indicate that tourism brings in more than $21-million annually to Patrick County's economy. It means not only increased revenues for county merchants but jobs for a significant number of people in a county that is no stranger to double digit unemployment. Because of its great economic clout, I think we should do everything in our power to nurture and promote the tourist industry in Patrick County even if it involves investing some of our hard-earned county tax dollars. This investment will pay tremendous long-term dividends.
Thank you to the many tourists and visitors who have graced out county's scenic attractions with their presence this fall. We welcome you to come back often and experience the good life that we enjoy everyday living here in this beloved county that we affectionally call God's Country.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Update on David
An encouraging development in the 2-year long battle of former Patrick County Sheriff David Hubbard to regain his health. Following nearly 6 hours of surgery Tuesday, Oct. 13th, David was able to call me at the radio station this morning (Wed., Oct. 14th) from his regular hospital bed at the University of Virginia Medical Center at Charlottesville. It was a pleasant suprise indeed to hear from this gallant man whose will to live has served as an inspiration to many of us.
In an impromptu interview, Hubbard said he is sore but optimistic about his prospects for recovery from lingering health issues that forced his to retire as sheriff about two years ago. He credited the prayers and support of his family and friends for his life today. David also told me that he has learned that wealth is properly measured by one's relationships in life and not by how much money he has acquired. Hear David's touching story on my news reports on WHEO Thursday, Oct. 15th, and stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for updates on the progress of the former sheriff who serves as President of the Patrick County Farm Bureau and, even in ill health, has worked on his Meadows of Dan farm when able.
Speaking of wealth....our community is much wealthier because of David Hubbard's leadership in law enforcement and agriculture and his example of courage and determination in the face of personal adversity. Please continue to pray for David and his family! Blessings to all!
Richard
In an impromptu interview, Hubbard said he is sore but optimistic about his prospects for recovery from lingering health issues that forced his to retire as sheriff about two years ago. He credited the prayers and support of his family and friends for his life today. David also told me that he has learned that wealth is properly measured by one's relationships in life and not by how much money he has acquired. Hear David's touching story on my news reports on WHEO Thursday, Oct. 15th, and stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for updates on the progress of the former sheriff who serves as President of the Patrick County Farm Bureau and, even in ill health, has worked on his Meadows of Dan farm when able.
Speaking of wealth....our community is much wealthier because of David Hubbard's leadership in law enforcement and agriculture and his example of courage and determination in the face of personal adversity. Please continue to pray for David and his family! Blessings to all!
Richard
Monday, October 12, 2009
Prayer Request for David Hubbard
I'd like to ask everyone in our community to pray for former Patrick County Sheriff David Hubbard. David has been battling health issues that forced him to abandon his bid for re-election and to retire as sheriff about two years ago. Since then, he has courageously battled health problems that probably would have claimed the life of a weaker man. A great example of strength, courage and determination, David has fought back from each setback that he has faced. Today (Monday, Oct. 12th), the former sheriff and president of the Patrick County Farm Bureau is facing another medical challenge.
According to a telephone report from my one of my radio show listeners, David was scheduled to undergo "serious surgery" today (10/12/09) at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Another caller told me that he faced a 10-hour surgical procedure. Both callers requested prayer for David. So please immediately remember David Hubbard in your prayers as well as his wife Gayna and other members of his family who have faithfully stood by him during his repeated visits to the hospital and his often frustrated battle to regain his health. God bless you David!
"The Great Day in the Morning Show" prayer list is a great way to surround your friends, neighbors, and loved ones with a "wall of prayer". Simply call (276) 694-3388 each morning between 6 and 10 a.m. and make your prayer request.
There is much sickness and disease in our community as well as current concern about the H1N1 (swine flue) virus and vaccine...many are without jobs and suffering economic hardships....and there are needs all around us. Let's all recognize those needs for prayer and raise our hands to Heaven on behalf of the many people in our community need our prayers as well as our comfort, support, kindness, and understanding.
May God bless you all with a "great day"!
Richard
According to a telephone report from my one of my radio show listeners, David was scheduled to undergo "serious surgery" today (10/12/09) at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Another caller told me that he faced a 10-hour surgical procedure. Both callers requested prayer for David. So please immediately remember David Hubbard in your prayers as well as his wife Gayna and other members of his family who have faithfully stood by him during his repeated visits to the hospital and his often frustrated battle to regain his health. God bless you David!
"The Great Day in the Morning Show" prayer list is a great way to surround your friends, neighbors, and loved ones with a "wall of prayer". Simply call (276) 694-3388 each morning between 6 and 10 a.m. and make your prayer request.
There is much sickness and disease in our community as well as current concern about the H1N1 (swine flue) virus and vaccine...many are without jobs and suffering economic hardships....and there are needs all around us. Let's all recognize those needs for prayer and raise our hands to Heaven on behalf of the many people in our community need our prayers as well as our comfort, support, kindness, and understanding.
May God bless you all with a "great day"!
Richard
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Bullish Opening of Patrick County Fair
I've heard of grand entrances...but this takes the cake! After cutting the ribbon to officially open the 57th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd, at Rotary Fairgrounds in Stuart, Janice Wilkins, President of the sponsoring Stuart Rotary Club, climbed atop a longhorn bull named Hollywood and rode the stately steer through the gate and entered the fairgrounds in grand styles. What a start to what promises to be the best Patrick County Agricultural Fair in the storied history of this event which has become a beloved family tradition. And that's NO BULL!
Listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" each day this week (6-10 a.m.) for the latest information on the fair. Then bring the family and join your friends for what "Mr. Patrick County Agricultural Fair" Henry Ayers calls "Old Home Week" in Patrick County. Perhaps, the most wonderful thing about the fair is the opportunity it affords for reunions of families and friends, many of whom may see each other only during this annual event. Exemplary of the gatherings that are a tradition of the fair was a reunion of the Ayers family on the opening night. Henry and Brenda's son and his family came home to attend the fair as they do every year. That same scenario is played out night after night, year after year...every year at the Patrick County Agricultural Fair.
Among the dignitaries on hand for opening night were former Virginia Governor and native Patrick Countian Gerald Baliles who reminisced the fair's enormous impact upon the culture of Patrick County. Also on hand were members of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, the Stuart Town Council, Del. Ward Armstrong and his opponent in the November election Ed Creed, and State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds.
Hope to see you at this week's Patrick County Agricultural Fair. The thrills, the chill, the exhibits, the the food, the entertainment, the rides, the ferris wheel, the reunions, the gatherings of old frinds, the smiles, the tradition. It's a classic! It's the 57th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair, proudly sponsored by the Stuart Rotary Club. See you there!
Listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" each day this week (6-10 a.m.) for the latest information on the fair. Then bring the family and join your friends for what "Mr. Patrick County Agricultural Fair" Henry Ayers calls "Old Home Week" in Patrick County. Perhaps, the most wonderful thing about the fair is the opportunity it affords for reunions of families and friends, many of whom may see each other only during this annual event. Exemplary of the gatherings that are a tradition of the fair was a reunion of the Ayers family on the opening night. Henry and Brenda's son and his family came home to attend the fair as they do every year. That same scenario is played out night after night, year after year...every year at the Patrick County Agricultural Fair.
Among the dignitaries on hand for opening night were former Virginia Governor and native Patrick Countian Gerald Baliles who reminisced the fair's enormous impact upon the culture of Patrick County. Also on hand were members of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, the Stuart Town Council, Del. Ward Armstrong and his opponent in the November election Ed Creed, and State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds.
Hope to see you at this week's Patrick County Agricultural Fair. The thrills, the chill, the exhibits, the the food, the entertainment, the rides, the ferris wheel, the reunions, the gatherings of old frinds, the smiles, the tradition. It's a classic! It's the 57th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair, proudly sponsored by the Stuart Rotary Club. See you there!
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