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Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, Founded 1597 BENEVOLENCE
HUMANITY
BROTHERHOOD
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76501 VOLUME 66, NUMBER 4 JANUARY 25, 1978
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK The printing business, radio and THINGS THAT COUNT TV are unique in that a person is always "fighting a deadline" and, Not what we have, but what we use, especially so with a newspaper. In Not what we see, but what we choose — the last nine years we have been These are things that mar or bless fortunate that we have been able to publish the Vestnik every week, The sum of human happiness. 52 weeks a year, on time, to reach The things nearby, not things afar, our readers. Even when your editor Not what we seem, but what we wrote editorials in the hospital for are — three weeks and/or some emThese are things that make or ployee had a vacation, the Vestbreak nik was sent out, however, this Thate give the heart its Joy or ache. week it seemed that Mother Nature was probably going to change that Not what seems fair, but what is true, when nothing else has, so far. The realization came when, all of a Not what we dream, but what we do— sudden, it rains, sleets and snows and all of this forms a glass-like These are things that shine like gems, frozen surface on everything — roads, streets, highways, steps, etc., Like stars in fortune's diadems. and people simply cannot get Not as we take, but as we give, around or go to work. That ha Not as we pray, but as we live — pened one day and the forecast These are things that make for predicted another such freeze to peace, follow. Both now and after time shall cease. We are certain this issue will also go out on time, however, this is The Bright Side just an indication of how much this type of weather can alter the If we notice little pleasures plans of "mice and/or men." Prob- As we notice little pains, ably we can consider ourselves If we quite forgot our losses much luckier than our fellow citi- And remembered all our gains. zens further north of here; just If we looked for people's virtues, consider us having an inch or two And their faults refused to see of snow and they measure it by the What a comfortable, happy FOOT! When you stop to think Cheerful place this world would be. * * about it there is usually a bright Show your thanks for what peoside to just about every thing in ple do for you. Try not to let your life.
friends influence you too much on your ideas of right and wrong. Try to do thoughtful things for people. Try to be a good listener. Try to realize and appreciate the likes and dislikes of others when you are with them. Use acceptable manners. Keep secrets and promises and be loyal to your friends. Be sympathetic and understanding. Be a good loser. Do your share of the job withhout grumbling. * * A fraternal forward look at 1978. As long as we are dedicated to FRATERNALISM, so long will Fraternalism last and prosper. Let us pause and reflect upon the record of our fraternal benefit Society, its ideals and trends. We can all agree that fraternalism is sometimes mentioned too glibly and superficially, without conveying its true and full significance. The early formation of fraternals with respect to insurance benefits did not employ any "actuarial science," they were hinged on good fellowship, patritotism, charity and benevolence, and were infused with the exercise of true brotherhood, all these combining to lessen the sufferings of the unfortunate and the sick, and to provide for the burial of the dead with proper dignity. That brilliant chapter of the first decades of the fraternal benefit societies, embedded deep in the solid rock of true human brotherhood, must never be for-