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The Paper | Thursday, April 19, 2012
I’d rather be a Tigger If people were given of’ the New Testament, was choices between wealth or a Tigger. He once wrote to poverty, health or sickness, the church at Corinth: “I am education or ignorance, greatly encouraged; in all can you imagine anyone our troubles my joy knows no not choosing to be wealthy, bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7:4) healthy and wise? HowThat sounds like a Tigger. ever, life isn’t so accomthe troubles Paul Dr. Michael Helms hadAmong modating. In fact, life is were beatings, stonings, The Pastor’s Pen often unfair. Some people multiple shipwrecks, dangers are born into poverty with from rivers, bandits and his health issues with little own countrymen. He labored chance for a good education. without sleep and food and was constantly But have you noticed that some people, on the move. He had known the discomdespite being in the worst of situations, forts of cold and he knew what was it was manage to have great attitudes? Despite like to be deprived of clothing, presumthe world being set against them, they ably while he was imprisoned. In addition, are not angry at the world. In fact, you he also faced the pressure and concern for would never know about their problems the churches he had started (2 Cor. 11:25from their disposition. How is it that some 29). Yet Paul’s joy abounded. people in this world are Eeyores and other Paul teaches that despite our circumpeople are Tiggers? stances we are still left with a choice in Remember Eeyore? He’s that blue donhow we will respond. We might not have a key in “Winnie-the-Pooh,” technically an choice about whether we face certain situEquus asinus, who suffers from an outlook ations, but we do have a choice over the on life that could turn any day of sunshine attitude with which we face them. into a cloudy day. Eeyore’s mood could Victor Frankl, a Jewish survivor of the be mistaken for depression by some, but Holocaust, learned this in the concentrahe’s not depressed. He’s just the ultimate tion camp at Auschwitz. “Everything can pessimist with a case of poor self-esteem. be taken from man but one thing, the last I suppose if I were always misplacing my of human freedom to choose one’s own tail, which is held in place by a small nail attitude in any given set of circumstances, that keeps slipping out, I might not feel so to choose one’s own way.” (Man’s Search good about myself either. for Meaning, p.75) Frankl, though surEeyore is a cheerless soul. He talks like rounded by some of history’s worst sufferhe walks, slowly and unenthusiastically. ing and atrocities known to humankind, He’s never excited about anything. chose an attitude that refused to allow his Have you ever tried working with an environment, a hell on earth, to dictate his Eeyore? It’s like trying to swim with an attitude. anvil tied around your waist. It’s like To Frankl’s list I’d like to add one more trying to walk up a hill while someone’s thing that cannot be taken from us: the spraying you with a fire hose. There’s just presence of God. The Psalmist wrote: a huge price to pay in negative energy, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where which drains all the good you are trying to can I flee from your presence? accomplish. If I go up to the heavens, you are there; Eeyore’s personality opposite is Tigger. if I make my bed in the depths, you are He’s a tiger, although he’s not quite like there. any other tiger in the jungle. This orange If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I tiger with black stripes has beady eyes settle on the far side of the sea, even there and a long chin. His tail, unlike Eeyore’s, your hand will guide me, your right hand is always attached and used for bouncing. will hold me fast (139:7-10).” “Bouncy” may be the best word to sum up When we choose Christ we have found Tigger’s personality, too. a power greater than ourselves to lift us People who are like Tigger brighten up above the circumstances that seek to your day, though they tend to get on some destroy us. This is the reason Paul could people’s nerves, especially early in the write, “I can do everything through Christ morning before you’ve had your coffee, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 or whatever it is that wakes you up. These NLT). It’s the reason Paul could find joy people seem to bounce out of bed with in spite of all the hardships that came his smiles on their faces and a spirit of optiway. It is God who gives us the strength to mism that you’d really like to pour cold overcome our adversities. It’s the reason water on; either that or discover the secret Paul could be a Tigger. to their joy. That’s my desire. I want my life to be an You must tip your hat to Tigger, though. inspiration to others. Even during those His cheerful personality brings out the times when I am at my weakest, I hope the best in people more times than not. joy of the Lord can be evident to others. There’s innocence about Tigger that’ s apI’ll be honest, I don’t wish for hard times pealing. He claims he can fly, jump farther to come in order to have the opportunity than a kangaroo, swim and climb trees, to prove myself in that way, but when they although he never offers any proof. He come, and they do for most of us, I want to also claims that he never get lost, which he be a Tigger. I want to be bouncing. never does. Being a Tigger doesn’t mean we should Some might say that Tigger doesn’t live in denial during times of grief and live in the real world. Maybe he doesn’t. loss, or that we don’t feel sadness during Some might say that he dreams too much. these times and others. Some people who Maybe he does. Perhaps that’s why he’s are joyful by nature may still battle with such a likable character. Most of us see times of depression. It just means circumsomething in Tigger that’s magnetic. We stances do not have to dictate our mood sense that the real world doesn’t have the or our attitude. We can choose joy even same effect on him that it does on almost when the circumstances are not joyful. So everyone else. Either that or he’s learned every day I need to check and see if I’ve to react differently from most. That’s what got enough bounce in my tail or if I’m just endears him to us. tacking my tail on. One is a sign of joy; the Whatever problems he has, he doesn’t other could be a sign of being an Equus allow them to become embedded in his asinus. I resemble one of those somepsyche or control his mood for very long. times, but I’d much rather be a Tigger. He maintains his bounce. In fact, without Dr. Michael Helms is Senior Pastor of his bounce, he wouldn’t be a Tigger, beFirst Baptist Church of Jefferson. Reach cause “bouncing is what Tiggers do best.” him at michael@fbcjefferson.org The Apostle Paul, who wrote much
CHURCH NEWS Hoschton United Methodist Church is hosting a Sock Hop for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on Saturday, April 21, from 7-10 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There is a $5 cover/$15 for families and children under 12 are free. Refreshments available Coke & Root Beer Floats ($2) and popcorn (50 cents). Entertainment includes DJ Smitty, the Champagnes and Tom and
Holly’s Fabulous 50’s and 60’s Show. There is a costume contest for all ages, so we encourage all to come dressed in 50’s or 60’s attire (not required). There is also a Cake Walk and Hula Hoop contest. Fun for the entire family. Contact Hoschton UMC for further details. HUMC is located at 12 Mulberry St. and Bell Avenue, two blocks behind City Square. Contact the Rev. Luis Ortiz at 706-654-
OBITUARIES Karen Terrell Burch
Died April 10, 2012 Karen Terrell Burch, 52, of Hoschton, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Survivors include her mother, Georgia Terrell of Monroe; husband, David Burch of Hoschton; sons, Drew Logue and Clay Logue, both of Abbeville; stepsons, Adam Burch, Christopher Burch and Andrew Burch, all of Hoschton; daughters, Amber Shelnutt and husband Brad of Watkinsville, Jennifer Logue and Joey Cumming of Commerce; brother, Mike Terrell and Debra Plumley of Rex; sisters, Judy Mitchel and husband Marvin of Hoschton, Debbie Mitchel and William of McCaysville and Susan Lockaby and husband James of Monroe; and 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Terrell, sister Nancy Yancey and stepson Richard Burch. A memorial service was held Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Lawson Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Brooks officiating. Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, April 19, 2012
Madge Marie Hardegree
Died April 15, 2012 Madge Marie Hardegree, 75, of Statham, died Sunday, April 15, 2012. A native of Jackson County, she was a daughter of the late Ed and Juanita Bryant Pursley. She was preceded by a son, Eddie Hardegree. Mrs. Hardegree had resided in Oconee County for most of her life and was a retiree of St. Mary’s Hospital. She was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church. Surviving include her children, Billy Dean and Nancy Hardegree of Statham, Ricky Hardegree of Davisboro and Debbie and Wade Creech and Michelle Bellamy, all of Statham; sister, Betty (Bobby) Barber of Statham; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held Thursday, April 19, 2012, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home. Interment was in Bethabara Baptist Church Cemetery. Carter Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, April 19, 2012
Evelyn Norine Hoch
Died April 12, 2012 Evelyn Norine Hoch, 78, of Jefferson, died Thursday, April 12, 2012. Born in San Jose, Calif., she was a daughter of the late James and Helen Evelyn Dethlefsen Rice. She was an administrator for the Campfire Girls and Boys, was a member of the Jefferson First United Methodist Church and lived in the Northminster Community in Jefferson. Survivors include her husband, Dean Hoch; daughter and son-in-law, Kristy and Gary Reeser of Acworth;
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Submitting your church news
A singing featuring The Boys of Alabama will be hosted at Center Union Baptist Church on Ednaville Road in Braselton at 6 p.m. on April 22. Call 706-6543674.
Submit your Church News to editor@clickthepaper. com or send to P.O. box 430, Hoschton, GA 30548. You can contact The Paper about special events and church happenings by calling 706658-2683.
daughter and her companion, Denise Hoch and Jeff Marshall of Petaluma, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Margene, Ruth and Marilyn; brothersin-law, Giles, Bill and Loren; and nieces and nephews. A celebration of life was held Saturday, April 14, 2012, at the Jefferson First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Chris Laskey officiating. Friends gathered in the church fellowship hall after the service. Memorials may be to the American Cancer Society, 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA 30605 Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, April 19, 2012
Delbert Charles Horner Sr.
Died April 12, 2012 Delbert Charles Horner Sr., 72, of Jefferson, died Thursday, April 12, 2012. Born in College Park, Pa., in 1940, Mr. Horner was an insurance salesman for most of his life. He was of the Presbyterian faith. Survivors include his wife, Karen Lee Alexander; daughter, Lisa Nemoga of Pendergrass; son and daughter-in-law, Del and Kerrie Horner of Coral Springs, Fla.; and grandchild, Emerald Nicole Horner of Coral Springs, Fla. Services are pending at this time, and will be announced by Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, Georgia. 706-367-5467; www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com The Paper, April 19, 2012
Billy Landers Smith Funeral Home announces the death of Billy Landers, 69, of Statham. He retired from Chicago Bridge and Iron as a water tank painter and was a member of the Painters Alliance Union. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Clark Landers; and parents, Luther “Luke” and Pauline Beck Landers. Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Billy Ray and Darlene Landers of Statham and Eddie and Misty Landers of Winder; daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Bubby Moore, Tracey and Wendell Sargent and Angie and Jamie O’Steen, all of Winder, and Genny McDaniel of Statham; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald Landers of Winder; sisters, Peggy Nix of Winder and Kathy Gunter of Statham; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 17, 2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Lamar Casper officiating. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, April 19, 2012
Lorine M. Langston
Died April 14, 2012 Mrs. Lorine M. Langston,
80, died Saturday, April 14, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Langston. Survivors include her son, Scott Langston and Ronnie Stilwell of Winder; daughters, Sherry Small and husband Bill of Sugar Hill and Becky Wilson and husband Dale of Buford; grandchildren, Megan Ittner, Christopher Wilson, Amber Huff, Paisley Huff, Cooper Wilson and Asher Huff; and host of other relatives. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Winder with Dr. John Talley and Ed Still officiating. Interment was in Gwinnett Memorial Gardens. Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, April 19, 2012
Patricia Lindsey
Died April 7, 2012 Patricia Lindsey, 52, of Largo, Fla., died Saturday, April 7, 2012, at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Steadman; her son, Matthew Steadman; and her father, John Howard Lindsey. Survivors include her daughter, Melissa Ann Cunningham of Paducah, Ky.; mother, Mildred Lindsey of Braselton.; sisters, Sarah Camper and Elizabeth Hausman, both of Braselton, Anna Lindsey of Murray, Ky., and Janice Dikin Piggott of Symsonia, Ky.; brothers, Phillip Lindsey and Stephen Lindsey, both of Dacula, John Howard Lindsey Jr., of Safety Harbor, Fla., and David Lindsey of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service will be held at the family farm in Symsonia, Ky., beginning at 10 a.m. on April 22, 2012. The Paper, April 19, 2012
Pauline M. Morris
Died April 11, 2012 Pauline McDonald Morris, 89, of Winder, died Wednesday, April 11, 2012. Born in Winder, she was a daughter of the late Willis Jackson and Mary Cook McDonald. She was married to the late James Harrell Morris. A member of Winder Christian Church, she was retired from Empire Manufacturing Company. Survivors include her son, Jim (Lorraine) Morris of Winder; daughter, Marsha (Gary) Grizzle of Statham; grandchildren, Brian Morris, Scott Morris, Amanda Finn and Valerie Parks; 10 greatgrandchildren; and sister, Mary Bramlett of Auburn. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 14, 2012, in Smith Memory Chapel with Jim Morris officiating. Interment was in Barrow Memorial Gardens. Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, April 19, 2012
See DEATHS, page 7A