Guardian Angel

"Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard." Proverbs 13:15  God's creation is faithful to God. It is hard to be a faithful child of God because there are so many things that get in the way. Reading the word is only the beginning. You have to get involved and learn to get closer to God. Excel in His love, faith, and obedience. It looks easy, but it's hard. Live the word of God. Goodness and faithfulness is what God wants from his creation. Satan tests and try's God's creation to see how faithful they are. Make it something to want to do and should do. God can make what's hard, easy. 

Matthew 2 - The visit of the Magi  The magi, wise me, or Men of the East traveled to meet baby Jesus. The Norh star moved as Jesus moved. King Herod wanted to destroy Jesus, and he wanted the magi to tell him of Jesus's location. In this chapter, Jesus is in a different place than he was born. Jesus was born to do exactly what He did. We don't really know how many wise men there were. It wasn't what they gave Jesus, but how and why they gave it. The wise men didn't actually get to Jesus until He was 2 years old. Jesus got His wisdom and knowledge from God. 

McClendon’s Appliance company originated in 1947. Glen McClendon took over the family business eighteen years ago. Although the company did not take on any new product lines in 2015, they carry many brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, Speed Queen, and Kitchen Aid. “2015 was much better than 2014. We did not see as many ups and downs as we did in 2014,” Mr. McClendon states. 2016 has done the business well so far. “We always strive to improve our customer experience. It does not matter if it is sales, service, or whatever it may be,” Mr. McClendon adds. McClendon’s Appliance considers Saline County a great place to do business because of the constant growth in the county. They also have many loyal customers. Some of the employees include: Virginia DuVall, who has worked there for thirty-eight years. She is the one that keeps everything in order and the business moving forward. Everyone recognizes her when they come into the store. Mrs. DuVall is considered one of the many pieces to the ...

Melba Russell retired from Southwestern Bell after thirty years of employment, but was not quite ready to sit at home. She has since found a home within the Malvern District Court. “I had only planned on working for the district court for about a year. Next thing I know, it has been nearly twenty-five years,” Russell explains. Working for the District Court brings on a number of responsibilities and challenges. “We do misdemeanor traffic violations, prepare court documents, there is the daily running of the office, we suspend and reinstate licenses, disperse money to other departments for fines, and answering the phones is a full time job itself,” Russell adds with a laugh. After graduating from high school, Russell attended business school. “I do not have any college training for this job. I think my work experience with the phone company and working with the public landed me this job,” Russell states. In the twenty-five years working for the District Court, Russell has mastered the...

Working in admissions at Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lynn Davis meets a wide variety of people. “I just love people and I love to hear their stories and about their families. I love to talk, and the residents just make it awesome,” Davis states. Davis has been working in the healthcare industry for sixteen years. “I will be working here until they admit me,” Davis says with a laugh. “In all seriousness, I plan on doing this the rest of my life. I have always wanted to work with people. It is not just a job to me. It is my purpose,” Davis adds. “It is important to not dread going to work. My mama always said, ‘The day you wake up and dread going to work, you need to get out.’ You have to love what you do, and I absolutely love my job,” Davis explains. Previously to working at Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Davis ran an in-home daycare center and also worked at First Baptist Church. “Originally, when this job became available, I came for the social work. I always liked ...

Jones Heat and Air has been serving Saline County for the last thirty years. The company has a good year in 2015 and predicts another strong year to follow. Owner, Randy Jones, has fantastic employees that work for him: Bryan O’Neal, general manager. O’Neil is on the Boys and Girls Club board.; Mark Estell, manager; Daniel Turbyfill, service manager. Jones Heat and Air like doing business in Saline County because of the friendly customers. All of the service technicians within Jones Heat and Air try to go above and beyond for their customers. They also attempt to excel at the tasks at hand.

Since 1957, Adams Pest Control LR Inc. has been serving Central Arkansas as an independently family owned and operated company. This company provides Pest and Termite control over in many areas across the state. During 2015 alone, the company has expanded into other family owned offices around the state, including a new office in Russellville. They have also added Lawn Treatment in order to yield green lawns. “2015 was a great year because of our great customers and employees!” Sylvia Adams, Human Resources manager, exclaims. Seeing as 2016 is calling for a mild winter, Adams Pest Control forecasts a record year. 2016 also brings more expansion and hopes of broadening services for the company’s loyal customers. “We are family owned and operated, but totally dependent on our excellent employees that maintain our high quality of customer service,” Mrs. Adams adds. Adams Pest Control has a very diverse line of employees that work for them. These employees are dedicated to providing premi...

The Benton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council consists of 10th thru 12th graders. For the school year of 2015-2016, the council has thirty-eight members. The council is also open to those who live in the city limits, not just Benton High. So far this term, these individuals have completed over 1,000 hours of community service for a variety of organizations. The president for this term is MiKayla Nash, vice president being Becky Rand. Other officers include the recording secretary, McKayla Stafford; senior representative, Anastasia Mills; junior representative, Jessica Alvarado; sophomore representative, Jackie Sherrell; communications officer, Catherine Nolte; historians, Emma Carter and Haven Betts. These members of the council have a profound mission statement that states: WE THE MAYOR’S YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL are honorable, trustworthy, ambassadors representing the CITY of BENTON in an enthusiastic and respectful way. WE ARE THE ROLE MODELS who volunteer with upbeat attitudes and who ha...

Established in 1973, Counseling Clinic Inc. has grown to approximately 130 employees and serve over 4,000 individuals every year. For the company, 2015 was a great year, with an exception to the fire in June that destroyed two out of three of the buildings. “We are in the process of drawing up floor plans to rebuild,” Mr. Gregory, CEO for twenty-five years, states. For 2016, the company hopes to begin the rebuilding project by mid-summer and finish in the spring of 2017. “We have approximately 25,000 square feet of office space for eighty employees that we have to rebuild for. We also hope to provide outpatient mental health services in the new year,” Mr. Gregory adds. “Saline County is big on southern hospitality and it has a nice hometown feel. We love doing business here,” Mr. Gregory explains. Other employees include: Jim Robertson, CFO twenty-five years; Tom Beeks, CSP director; Robert Bennet, outpatient director; Jessica Anderson, Youth Services Director; and Chery Love, HR Mana...

Johnston’s Home Center originated in 1979 as a sewing and vases store. Over the years, it has since become a complete home center. In 2015, the home center added Husqvarna lawn equipment and the home center also had a stellar year. For 2016, the home center anticipates a good year and plans to continue what they already do. The sewing department will attend several national events in 2016. “We offer so many different types of products and there is something for everyone. Also, we service what we sell,” Mrs. Johnston states. The owners of Johnston’s Home Center are Joe and Kristen Johnston. Their two children, Billie Jo Crocker and Robert Johnston work in the center as well. “Our company is mostly family run. Saline County is where Joe and I grew up and it’s where our children grew up,” Mrs. Johnston adds. Billie Jo runs the sewing department and has worked there for twenty years. She is also one of the Brother’s brand top salesmen in the country. Robert has been working since he was ...

Landers of Saline County is one of the best dealerships in Arkansas. All three dealerships, Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram-Fiat, Chevrolet, and Ford, have been in Saline County for thirty years, and Landers Chrysler was voted Best Large Business in 2014. Landers Chrysler was also voted largest Chrysler dealership in the world four times. In 2015, the Landers company increased it’s preowned at Landers Chevrolet and Landers Ford in order to accommodate the huge increase of retail sales. “2015 was a fantastic year. Landers Chrysler-Ford-Chevrolet-Fiat sold 11,871 vehicles. The Landers body shop also had a record year,” Mr. Plack, Landers AVP, states. The company has hopes that 2016 will be slightly better than 2015. In order to have a better year than 2015, the company is looking for better ways to serve their customers. “We have been the most successful auto deal in Arkansas for 30 years, right here in Saline County. We must attribute that to the community,” Mr. Plack adds. Mr. Rodney Plack i...

Merchants and Farmers Bank originated in Dumas, Arkansas in 1909. The Bryant, Arkansas office came to life in 2011. . Every year since this location opened, it has exceeded expectations. In 2015 alone, the bank’s full service location added mobile deposit as well as instant issue debit cards. These services will continue in 2016In 2016, the bank expects loan volume to increase in the Benton/Bryant area. It doesn’t stop there. In 2016, the Bryant loan office will be converted to a full service branch. The bank also hopes that deposits will increase when the office coverts to a full service branch. Construction of a brand new facility will also take place in 2016. While the Bryant location only has three employees, the office is supported by the Dumas branch that employs thirty-two employees. In the community, Merchants and Farmers Bank and staff are active in both Bryant and Benton Chambers of Commerce and they sponsor/donate to quite a few charitable fundraisers every year. “Saline Co...

Ramsey Tire and Auto Care Center, LLC originated in 2011 when Johnny and Lisa Ramsey purchased Fought Tire. Though it was already a well-established business, there is always room for growth. “In 2015, we added the Hercules line of tires. We are the only authorized dealer in Bryant,” Mrs. Ramsey states. For 2016, the auto care center has added a new tire changing machine, as well as updated equipment. The company also has the latest diagnostic scanning equipment in order to provide the best service for their customers. “We will also be joining with other local Tire Pro dealers in the Central Arkansas area to raise money for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. In June, we will participate in “Tires for Tots.” For every tire sold during the campaign, we will contribute two dollars to ACH. We are very excited about that opportunity,” Mrs. Ramsey explains. To the Ramsey’s, Saline County is home. Mr. Ramsey serves on Pulaski Tech’s Automotive School Advisory Board and is an active member of the D...

Northside Electric began operations in 1978 with a handful of tools and a pick-up-truck. In the beginning, we provided our customers with fast and reliable electric service work, construction services, and generator installations. As the years passed, our ability to provide generator power continued to grow. As the demand for our services increased, we became focused on the generator market. For over 20 years, Northside has been dedicated to providing generator power to our customers. Today, we are the largest Generac dealer in Arkansas and are completely committed to providing generator power to our customers with top of the line equipment like Generac and Cummins, a full staff of factory trained service technicians, and fully stocked service trucks. Northside Electric has been awarded the prestigious distinction of being the first Premier Dealer for Generac in the Central Midwest Region. This award is based on a dealer’s commitment to provide a superior level of sales and service. Th...

Riverside Grocery and Catering began in 1919. In 2004, the Bellinger’s purchased the business, creating the catering business in 2012. For this convenient store and catering business, 2015 was a great year and the best ever. “Beer and wine were added in 2015 as a result of Saline County becoming wet,” Mr. Bellinger says. Also in 2015, the catering business added another person for more on-site cooking of fish and barbecue. For 2016, the company intends to continue growth and put emphasis on the catering business. The Bellinger’s enjoy Saline County because it is the heart of Arkansas and it is close enough to Little Rock, but is still a small home town. Riverside’s breakfast menu is open until 11 o’clock AM on Saturday and Sunday. “Barbara has been cooking for me since 2004. She is an amazing breakfast cook and keeps it fresh,” Mr. Bellinger adds. Scott is the right-hand man for Mr. Bellinger and he can do it all. Mattie will be expanding her role this year. She will also be attend...

McLehaney Equipment LLC has been a family oriented business since 1977. In 2015, this company added a new sales office and parts receiving area. Their main suppliers, Kuhn, Vermeer and Bushhog, are expanding their line of products. “2015 was a good year except for the drought which slowed all grass growing and harvesting,” Bill McLehaney, manager, states. For 2016, the LLC is optimistic and have expanded their parts are to better serve their customers. The company also hopes to further completion of their building addition and employee training. Bill McLehaney is a church song leader at Traskwood United Methodist Church. He is also on the board of Farmers Association, Farm Bureau, and Arkansas Forage and Grassland Countil. He has had the company for thirty-nine years. Susanna McLehaney is the parts manager and has been with the company for twenty-four years. She is the music leader at Trakswood United Methodist Church. Mrs. McLehaney is also the president of the Saline County Cattl...

While watching a few children in her home, Carol Wilson cooks a wide variety of things during the week. “We normally do things like hot dogs, pizza, fish sticks, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, chicken and rice, chicken pot pie, and they really like these apple sauce pouches,” Mrs. Wilson states. Just recently, Mrs. Wilson baked cupcakes for her daughter’s birthday. “I let the kids help me decorate. They love to frost cookies and cupcakes. We made rice krispy treats a while back. And we like waffles and French toast,” Mrs. Wilson adds while feeding her one year old grandson. Besides cooking for the children during the week, Mrs. Wilson also cooks family dinners every Monday and Tuesday night. “Everyone eats at my house on Monday and Tuesday nights. I have a menu board. My kids put a tag that has the name of food on a certain day of the week. It’s a great way to brainstorm meals,” Mrs. Wilson says. “At family dinners, I start supper, we set the table, say the blessing, everyone feeds th...

Betty and Grady Rollon have been married for the past fifty-six years. During those years, they have always shared the kitchen. “We always cook together. Ever since we got married,” Mrs. Rollon explains. Mr. Rollon served as a cook in the United States Army. “It was 1957 when I went to training. They went down the row and told everyone what they were going to go. They told me I was going to be a cook. Next thing I know I’m being shipped off to a special school to learn what to cook and how to cook it,” Mr. Rollon states. Mrs. Rollon claims to have learned a lot about cooking since she met Mr. Rowland. “I had learned from mother and my aunts, but I really learned a lot when I met Grady. He taught me so many things I did not know,” Mrs. Rollon says. “All of the recipes I use have been handed around the family. They went from my mother to my aunts to me to my children. Recipes allow for the tradition to carry on. That’s why they are so great. You also can’t beat mama’s recipes,” Mrs. Ro...

I just love, love, LOVE this movie! I think it's because I feel like Kat most days. When watching "Taming of the Shrew," I immediately put things together. The characters in 10 Things I Hate About You have the same names as the ones in the play, well the girls do at least. It is also the same scenario. Bianca can't date until Kat does, but Kat is such a shrew that no one even wants to go near her. Heath Ledger comes in and sweeps her off her feet. Am I the only one that noticed his name is Patrick Verona? Like Petruchio of Verona? Classic. This movie is just wonderful. He tames her, and he ends up with her.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2: 5-11 God cares about what is in your heart, so call out to Him and act like a Christian. What the Holy Spirit says, you do. Give up your sins and get right with the Lord. You need to give up something permanently, like your sins. Don't say, "There is nothing wrong with me." Tell Him there is everything wrong with you. Lent means...

Susan Poe, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, has spent most of her life cooking. It all started when she worked in the cafeteria at Courts Junior High in Las Cruces, New Mexico. "We cooked home cooked meals and everything was made from scratch. Being in New Mexico, we mostly made Mexican food, but we made others as well. We even made our own bread, rolls, and cakes," Poe explains. Holidays are Poe's favorite times of the year. "I love to cook ham, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, and baked beans. To me, these are comfort foods. Holidays are not just about the meals, but the smells of the house that baking brings. Also, cooking for a group is always easier than cooking for one or two people," Poe states. "I am almost seventy-four years old and most of the recipes I use are the ones that I have been using since high school," Poe claims while making a cup of hot tea. Having five kids, Poe learned quickly how to cook for a group of people. "My ...

My story "Jake" as chosen to be published in UALR's literary magazine. This means I will be a published author! GOD IS GREAT!

"If they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace." Hebrews 6:6 God is looking down on our messy world. He knows what is going on. These people in this verse weren't living through God. They fell away from Him. This is very concerning, because it happens every day. This is more than anything you can think of. You can't get lukewarm. Each generation is getting further away from Christ. Don't be that person. What is Jesus thinking? What is He feelings? Is He overwhelmed with disappointment? Is His heart broken because of God's creation? Jesus only dies once. He is the way, the truth, and the life. All other ways are the wrong way. He paid all of the sacrifices. Jesus hopes the children of God will stand up in faith and say, "NO MORE!" We can change what is going on. All it takes is Him. God is at work HERE. God is life. Nobody will ever ki...

With Super Bowl Sunday quickly approaching, Mallory Allison is working on her menu for the big game. “I like to do appetizers for a game because it's not as difficult to hold your plate while you're jumping up and down as the game goes on. We may have burger or barbecue sliders but the rest is finger foods for sure. I love dips; spinach dip, queso, corn dip, any kind. Barbecue and chili are also good choices if you're trying to do meals,” Allison says while feeding Beckett. Allison’s husband, Jeff, pipped in and added, “I love eating ribs, chips and dip, wings, anything I can throw on the grill really.” Mallory and Jeff Allison, are excited about cheering on their favorite team, the Denver Broncos, and eating good foods with their close friends and family. The Allison family is looking forward to passing on their love for football and their love for cooking to their one year old son, Beckett. “We seem to treat every game like the Super Bowl. Since our Broncos are in thi...

I absolutely loved this movie more than I thought I would! It was so funny and the acting was great in my opinion. The only thing is, I didn't find her shrewd. I just found her bitchy. And if someone complained about my sister the way those guys did, I would not have put up with it. I somehow knew she was going to move to Chicago. I just knew it. I don't know that actress's name, but she is in quite a few movies and she is just great! It always works out in the end, doesn't it?

Some days it is so hard to put everything in God's hands. We want to be in control of our own lives. But we forget that everything is already determined for us. We have to let go. We have to let God. We can't do anything without Him.

Okay so, was Petruchio being so awful to teach Katharina a lesson? They were both was over the top. I didn't get that vibe so much from the play as I did the movie. But I can definitely say that I see the similarities between the play and "10 Things I hate about you." That's the first thing that came to my mind. I did have a problem with this movie "losing internet connection" and also at the very end it froze and would not do anything else. But other than that, I didn't think it was horrible. But it wasn't the best movie I've ever seen.

So today I was sitting in the student center doing work on my laptop. I had my headphones plugged in. All of a sudden, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I remove my left earbud and see two girls standing next to me. One of the girls asks "can we pray for you?" I take my other earbud out and say "pray for me?" I wanted to make sure I had heard her correctly because my music was kind of loud. She smiled and said "yes." So I said "absolutely." And both of them put their hands on my shoulder and they both prayed. My heart was overcome with joy. I watched them make their way around the room and I didn't see a single person tell them no. I would like to think that I set an example. I showed people it was okay to pray in public. It just so happens that I had my bible out and my "when I'm praising God" book and was posting on my blog. GOD IS WORKING AND HE IS SO AMAZING! 

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" John 11: 25-26 For all of you control freaks out there, me included. You HAVE to let it be God's will. You have to give it all to Him. Jesus is all knowing, so let Him guide you. Without resurrection there is no eternity. Without resurrection there is no Christianity. God is all powerful and all knowing. We have the power of the spiritual resurrection. We have to know of the resurrection. You have to look and desire to see. Jesus is the door to God. He said, "I am who I am." He is salvation. He is eternal life. He is the light of life. HE IS GOD.

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 I think it is safe to say that we are all troubled. If we ask, He will take us to Him. The people that don't know Him won't understand where we are going, but we have to try and show them. It is obvious that the word of God is breathed by Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Do we get what He means when He says that? We have to try. He is the direction that we have to go. We have to use our bibles as the road map to get there. The lost people don't know what it means to have everlasting life. Even if we lose our way, we will always come back to Him. The word of God is our only way to understand what Jesus has called us to do. There are many people and cultures that don't think Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We can't fix it over night, but it can be fixed. Christ is the way and we need to follow in that way. Every...