Emulsifier is not a word in most people’s vocabulary, so let’s define it. An emulsifier is something that binds oil and water-based components together. In the case of mayonnaise, it is the eggs that act as the emulsifier that binds oil and water together to form what you and I may add to our next ham sandwich. It is with that definition that Pastor Brian tied us into Chapter 15 of The Story this week.

Fourteen ventured to Cedar Christian Church on Sunday to hear Rev. Lyle Miller’s Mother’s Day message. Safe distancing, masks and even gloves were practiced. Peggy Mullen read “A Mother’s Life Journey.” Linda Melton read a son’s “IOU” letter to his mother written in the ‘80s. A hymn “My Mother’s Prayer,” taken from Steve Melton’s great-grandfather Bonebrake’s old hymnal, was sung. Candy bars were given as Mother’s Day treats. —Reporter

WELL, DUH! That pretty much sums up much of the Bible, but especially the book of Lamentations. How often must God warn about the consequences of sin before people sit up and listen? After repeated warnings about their idolatry, around 740 BC, God finally sent the Assyrians to start conquering Israel (the northern tribes) (1 Kings 15). A second invasion occurred in 721 BC (1 Kings 17) when the northern tribes were largely carried away captives. Then, in 701, Assyria set its sights on Jerusalem and Israel (the southern tribes), but God turned back this "warning shot" and gave them more time to repent. Did they? Sadly, no. So, in 605 BC, God sent in the Babylonians. After conquering outlying towns, they finally came against Jerusalem in 588 BC. The next two years were not pretty. In fact, they got downright ugly. As the siege drew on, food became scarce. Speaking of the children, Jeremiah writes, "They cry to their mothers, 'Where is bread and wine?' as they faint like a wounded man in the streets" (Lam. 2:12). It got worse, however, as Jeremiah reveals through a question, "Should women eat the fruit of their womb, the children of their tender care?" (Lam. 2:20). Yes, sickeningly, by their stubborn refusal to worship their Creator, they actually turned to cannibalism. As Hosea put it, "For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind" (Hos. 8:7). Lamentations serves as a grim reminder, that living a life of sin and rebellion against God, despite all of its enticements and supposed glamour, carries with it the high price of misery, sorrow, pain, financial ruin, and even loss of life. However, better choices can be made by God's grace. That's why Jeremiah, despite witnessing such desperate times, was able to say, "This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed" (Lam. 3:21-22). Aren't you thankful that there IS mercy with the Lord...when we seek Him?

The menus for the week beginning Monday, May 18, are as follows: Monday—Smothered steak, mashed potatoes, corn, bread, apricots. Tuesday—Taco salad, rice, chips, ambrosia salad. Wednesday—Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, seasoned carrots, bread, mandarin oranges. Thursday—Pork cutlet, scalloped potatoes, peas, bread, pineapple upside down cake. Friday—Hamburger patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, three bean salad, bun, watermelon.

No, they can’t open the doors to the public just yet to show those blockbuster movies, but the Nova Theatre can sell you some of its delicious buttery popcorn, pop and candy concessions for a family movie night at home! And that is just what they are doing this Friday, May 15th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Bad times have a way of bringing out the best in people. As we go through this difficult time in the United States and around the world, you see story after story of people stepping up to do good and to help others. And we should. It is what we are called to do.

TEACH ME. John Brown was born in Scotland in 1722. He was orphaned as a boy. His dad, a dirt-poor, humble weaver, yet strong Christian, died when he was just 11. His mom died soon thereafter. He had very little formal education but did study Latin for one month during the relatively brief time he attended school. Providentially, after the death of his parents, the hand of God put John under the care and protection of John Ogilvie, a godly shepherd who also served as pastor of a small church. Amazingly, John Brown, a poor shepherd boy, driven by an intense desire to learn, taught himself some Greek. Knowing of his need for a Greek grammar to aid his learning, having scraped together enough money, he left his flock with a friend, and walked 24 miles to make the purchase. Upon arriving at the book store, it "just so happened" that a professor of Greek overheard John talking with the store owner. The professor then told John, "read this, and you shall have the book for nothing." He read the passage and gleefully retraced his 24-mile jaunt back home. He went on to teach himself not only Greek, but Latin and Hebrew, as well as acquainting himself with French, Italian, German, Arabic, Persian, Syriac, and Ethiopic. This orphaned, self-taught shepherd boy ended up spending 36 years serving as pastor of a small flock and later spent 20 years as being Professor of Divinity in addition to his pastoral work. In his "spare time" he also wrote many books including a history of the Christian Church and a Systematic Theology of the Bible. My point is that with the help of God and good, old-fashioned grit anyone can learn the Word of God. Another shepherd boy, David, begged God, saying, "Show me Your ways, O LORD; TEACH ME Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and TEACH ME, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day (Psalm 25:4-5). With open Bible in hand, we all need to cry out to God, "TEACH ME!"

(The following article is taken from the unapproved minutes of the March 24th Rooks County Health Center Board of Directors regular monthly meeting.)

Even though the 2020 Stockton High School Commencement exercises had to be delayed due to the coronavirus, the Sentinel had planned to run its graduation feature on schedule, which would be this week.

The Stockton Citywide Cleanup Week has been set for Monday, May 18th through Friday, May 22nd. Regular trash routes will be picked up as normally scheduled, while additional city trucks will be following the regular routes to pick up FURNITURE, TREE BRANCHES, APPLIANCES (Freon must be drained from refrigerators), YARD WASTE and TIRES (limit of 5).