It is common practice when applying for a job that you relate to the prospective employer your strengths—what you are really good at. But, how many times do you also tell them what your weaknesses are? That is probably not something you would want them to know, even though they may eventually find out if you are hired.

PEACE? OR NOT? It would seem that most anyone who is even vaguely familiar with the Bible would be aware of the prophecy that the Messiah (Jesus) would be "the Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). In the New Testament, God led Paul to assert that Jesus "made peace through the blood of His cross" (Col. 1:20). In other words, God sent His Son so that through the shedding of His blood, hopeless sinners could be brought into a relationship of peace with their Creator—if they trust Him. Completely. Without reservation. Whole heartedly. Rejecting all other means of gaining eternal life and peace with Him. God also led Paul to proclaim of Jesus, "For He Himself is our peace" (Eph. 2:14). Certainly the Jews in Bible times were anticipating the coming of their Messiah believing He would defeat the Roman Empire and bring peace to Israel. All of this emphasis on "peace" in the Bible makes some of Jesus' statements extremely intriguing because it seems to be totally out of character for what we would expect Him to say. In Luke 12:51-53, Jesus said, "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law" (see also Matt. 10:34ff). So why DID Jesus come? Did He come to bring peace? Or not? How do we explain this seeming contradiction? Jesus unquestionably came to undo the results of Adam's sin and make it possible to again gain spiritual peace with God. However, not all truly trust in Jesus' sacrifice in their place. In some cases, a father and/or mother truly trust Jesus and gain eternal soul-peace with God. But their child(ren) never do...or vice versa. The question, then, is, "Am I at peace with God? Or not?"

The July meeting was brought to order at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments provided by Arlene Stramel, Sue Miller and Shirley. Roll Call was taken and answered by 24 members with eleven Show and Tell items. Minutes were published in both newspapers and it was asked if any changes needed to be made. None were presented so Kenda Ross moved that the minutes be accepted as printed and seconded by Bertha McGann. The motion passed. There was correspondence presented. The Treasurer’s Report was given by Diane Maddy. A motion made by Stephanie Hart to accept the report as read, and seconded by Judy Russ. Motion carried. No bills were presented. The Sew Day Report showed no one attending at Plainville Plainville with Stockton hosting 5. The next Sew Days are August 11th for Plainville, and August 14th for Stockton. Under Old Business, the organization is still discussing where to take the baby blankets made. Judy Russ said the clinic would take some. Some members will check with other places. During New Business, the Opportunity Quilt was finished by Nicki Meistrell, Berdena Whisman, Betty Bedore and Idona Duncan. Tickets for this quilt will be $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 with tickets sold by Guild members. The drawing for the quilt will be during the evening of November 26th, 2021. A motion was made by Jana Slansky and seconded by Jennifer Guffey to that effect. Motion carried. The Fair booth will be set up on Saturday, August 7th by Janie Lowry, Joyce Schmitz, Betty Bedore, Jennifer Guffey and Terrii Collins. Announcements were as follows: Quilters Boutique will be discussed at September meeting. Pineapple class sign-up is August 18th.

ALWAYS A FUN TIME for young and “old” alike, Jimmy Dee and the Fabulous Destinations got their many fans dancing to their music when the group performed on Wednesday night of this year’s Rooks County Free Fair.

KAYDENCE TREMBLAY, with Eager Beaver 4-H, gets ready to present her Sand Art entitled “A Day At The Beach” for judging at the Rooks County Free Fair..

MIA ODLE gets ready to enter her gray Holland Lop, Judy, for judging at this year’s Rooks County Free Fair!.

Sentinel: I really enjoy Nancy’s Notes, Virgi’s Views, and Names on the Wall. Thank you for a real local paper.

JONATHAN GRAHAM, with Star 4-H, presents his Quilt of Valor for judging at the Rooks County Free Fair. When the Fair is over, Jonathan will give the quilt to veteran Pastor Bob Matthews..

Week of August 23 Breakfast Monday—French toast, fruit, juice, milk. Tuesday—Pop-Tart, fruit, juice, milk.

The good-looking lad celebrating a birthday in last week’s Sentinel was Stockton’s Darrell Small..