POSITION: Utility Department – Electrician

DESCRIPTION: Performs skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems and equipment. Operates a variety of specialized related equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS: Performs skilled work in the reconstruction, maintaining and repairing electrical systems and equipment and lift stations. Inspects, test, calibrates and adjusts various controls or meters used in electrical, water and sewer systems. Working knowledge of design, layout, assembly, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical systems. Working Knowledge of low voltage systems, control wiring and the ability to understand high voltage systems.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent. Two (2) years related experience.

CONTACT:
City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St., or P.O. Box 37 Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through August 8, 2022

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that the whole family can get involved in sharing the Gospel. Walt and Sandi Moore’s granddaughter from Ponchatoula eagerly packed 22 shoeboxes when she was visiting her grandparents in Natchitoches this summer. Olivia Moore, 12 years old, chose an age 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14, chose the sex girl or boy, and then filled shoebox with school supplies, toiletries, toys, clothes, hair accessories, stuff animal, and a “Wow” item.

Each child that receives the shoebox hears the Gospel, in a child friendly story, receives a booklet of the gospel in their own language and is invited to attend The Greatest Journey which is 12 lessons teaching the gospel.

National Collection Week is November 14-21. For more information samaritanspurse.org or contact Brenda Ingram at (318) 471-9415

POSITION: ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

SITE LOCATION: Lakeview High School

SALARY: According to parish school salary schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be certified or eligible at the time of the application according to Louisiana State Department of Education requirements and must have 5 years of teaching experience.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
310 Royal Street, P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

DEADLINE: Thursday, August 4, 2022; 4:00 p.m.

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, official transcripts from institutions awarding degrees, a copy of Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate with principal/education leadership endorsement, three (3) letters of reference, (one being from your immediate supervisor).

EOE

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge.  You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com)

Natchitoches’ City Park was the place to be for family fun Saturday, July 30 as the city held its annual Back to School Community Fair. Children had a full slate of fun and educational activities. Youngsters had two inflatable jumpy castles to choose from. The parish library’s bookmobile was on hand as well with librarians offering face painting and sno-cones to eager children.

The NSU men’s basketball team was on hand with homemade donuts alongside NSU recruiters with information about the opportunities the university offers. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance was on hand with information concerning scholarships and grants. NSU’s spirit groups were joined by cheerleaders from NCHS and St Mary’s in performing for the crowd throughout the morning. These were just a few of the community groups who came together in order to provide an exciting start to the back-to-school season.

The highlight of the event, however, was provided by the Governor’s Office of Programs and Planning. Natchitoches was chosen as one of four sites around the state to receive school supplies to be given out to students at no charge. The office gave away 1,500 backpacks filled with paper, pencils, and other school supplies.

It didn’t take Meagan Corley long to apply for a $3,000 scholarship to attend Northwestern State University in 2022-23. When the screening committee reviewed applicants, it was quickly obvious that the Lakeview High School graduate was a top-flight contender for one of the awards.

Corley, 18, has received one of the new Journal Services NSU Scholarships, which will award three new Northwestern State University students up to $3,000 in the next school year. The other two winners will be announced shortly.

She graduated high school with a 4.13 GPA on a 5.0 scale and already has a perfect college GPA of 4.0. Corley graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors and was active in the Future Farmers of America, the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. She served as Lakeview’s FFA chapter president for two years.

The scholarships were designed to assist Class of 2022 high school students who hadn’t settled on a college choice, or students currently enrolled at other higher-education institutions who are considering transferring to NSU in Natchitoches.

They are being provided by Journal Services, LLC, based in Natchitoches, which supports 12 locally-owned journals covering north central and northwest Louisiana.

“We congratulate Meagan and the other two scholarship winners,” said Bill Vance, general manager of Journal Services LLC. “We were gratified by the response to this opportunity and are committed to expanding the opportunities and providing more support for new Northwestern State University students for the 2023-24 school year.”

Applicants provided their high school GPA (and college GPA if applicable), and also, reported their ACT score along with listing honors, extracurricular activities and other relevant information on the form. That information provided a basis for selecting the three winners.

Scholarship winners must live in Natchitoches Parish during the upcoming school year. They are also required to have in-person, face-to-face instruction for 75 percent of their classes in 2022-23.

A summer staple and a rare talent recently met once again for Northwestern State volleyball.

Each summer, typically in July, the Lady Demons host various volleyball camps for area kids from elementary through high school age, and each summer members of the NSU squad spend time working with the campers and generally just having fun playing the sport.

This summer not only did current Demons share their knowledge and enjoyment with the campers but a former standout for NSU offered her time as well.

The 2019 Southland Conference Player of the Year and multi-category record holder Hannah Brister made a return trip to Natchitoches for the first time since her graduation in the Fall of 2020.

Seeing the “Welcome to Natchitoches” sign and turning on to campus for the first time since transferring to LSU to play beach volleyball, the memories from a historic 2019 season, for herself and the team, came rushing back.

“The thing that really sticks out was us making it to the postseason,” Brister said. “That was really big for the program and really monumental for us I think.

“And just our team in general that year, I was wishing for one more year with them. The memories we made on bus trips, going to Wyoming, it was just fun would be the best way I could describe it.”

Brister helped lead a senior- and experience-laden squad to the program’s second postseason berth in history and the first as an at-large team in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

Brister’s 2019 campaign was one of the most prolific offensive seasons in program history. She set five different single-season records including becoming the first NSU player to surpass 500 kills in a season, finishing with 539 and an equally as impressive 4.77 kill per set average.

She was well on her way to becoming NSU’s all-time leaders in kills, by passing assistant coach Stacey Aldredge’s current record of 1,318, but a global pandemic had other plans.

COVID-19 and the postponement of the 2020 fall season sent Brister to Baton Rouge without the opportunity to finish her fourth indoor season as a Demon. While the all-time record was certainly on her mind at the end of her spectacular junior season, looking back, the missed opportunity to play her final indoor season at NSU is what mattered more.

“It was definitely bittersweet not being able to finish out with my senior class,” she said. “We were set to finish well that next season. Those are my girls so definitely bittersweet.”

She was able to play in the delayed indoor season for the Tigers before moving to the sand and joining the beach volleyball team.

“It was a big challenge, but a fun challenge,” she said about the transition from NSU to LSU. “I’m the type of player that loves a challenge and to go from being one of the stand outs at Northwestern to possibly coming off the bench at LSU, it forced me to work towards that next level and the player that I am now.”

Striving towards that next step is what allowed Brister to accomplish what she did at NSU and what she hopes she can help instill in the next generation of athletes, especially those in her home state of Louisiana, by working with them as often as she can.

“We have the athletes here there is no doubt about that,” Brister said. “So I think it comes from coaches like Sean and Stacey that put in the time and effort to giving these young players the tools they need to be successful.”

Photo: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is currently hiring Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses for their Insights Department.  A special sign-on bonus is being offered for the 7p-7a shift as well as competitive rates, great benefits, and shift differentials.  

*Special sign-on bonus requires 2-year commitment.  

Required Education and Experience 

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. 
• Current State of Louisiana Registered Nurse Licensure (RN) or State of Louisiana Nurse Licensure (LPN). 
• Current BCLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.  
• Current ACLS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.  
• Current PALS certification must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment. 
• Successful completion of arrhythmia course must be available upon hire or certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

   Offering Special Sign-On Bonus • Great Salaries & Benefits • Shift Differentials 
  To view and apply, please visit: 
  LPN: www.nrmchospital.org/job/licensed-practical-nurse-insights-7p-7a-sign-on-bonus/ 

  RN: www.nrmchospital.org/job/registered-nurse-insights-7p-7a-sign-on-bonus/ 

  If you have questions or would like to speak to our Recruiter, please contact Larissa Cameron at 318-214-5819 or at larissa.cameron@nrmchospital.org 

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Avenue on July 24 around 2:44 am in reference to gunshots in the area. While officers were on Henry Avenue they were notified by Police Communication Officers that several houses and a vehicle were struck by gunfire. Detectives and officers were able to locate several bullet casings and projectiles that were collected for further analysis.

This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Rudy Glass at (318) 357-3878. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Members of Northwestern State University’s Eta Omicron chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity attended the fraternity’s national convention in Washington, D.C., where they were lauded for community service, along with other honors.

Jairus Killings, a sophomore theatre major from Syracuse, New York, and an R.F Lewis Scholar; Chapter President Jacob Stone, a junior music business major from Kilgore, Texas, and Van Erikson, chapter advisor and interim director of Enrollment Management at NSU, participated in conference, held annually to conduct fraternity business, network and participate in the School of Fraternity Practices, a leadership and chapter operations school.

The Eta Omicron chapter was awarded the Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Award for Community Service and Philanthropy in recognition of hurricane relief work with the Theta Rho chapter at McNeese State University in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

Erikson was chosen as a faculty member to facilitate sessions at the School of Fraternity practices on Social Media Authenticity. He also received the George T. Kiovas Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who have made meritorious contributions to the local, regional or international general welfare of Theta Chi.

“I’m so proud of the chapter for leading efforts in service and philanthropy, which our Fraternity was founded upon,” Erikson said. “We’re taught to extend the helping hand to all, and in doing so, our chapter brothers grow as resolute men through the process of serving others.”

Theta Chi Award:

NSU Theta Chi Fraternity leaders Jairus Killings and Jacob Stone, chapter president, accepted the Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Award for Community Service and Philanthropy during Theta Chi Fraternity’s national convention in Washington, D.C. The award recognized the chapter’s relief work following the devastation of Hurricane Laura.

Erikson Award:

Van Erikson, chapter advisor of NSU’s Eta Omicron Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, received the George T. Kilovas Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who have made meritorious contributions to the local, regional or international general welfare of Theta Chi. He is pictured with other award-winning alumni representing their undergraduate universities. From left are Corey Esquenazi (University of Central Florida), Erikson, James McGuire (Southeastern Louisiana University), Hunter Tower (Widener University), Brandon Younkin (East Stroudsburg University) and Jason Carmichael (Randolph-Macon College).

AS A TEAM LEADER, YOU WILL: 

• Supervise utilizing strong interpersonal skills 
• Use technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, as applies to such supervision 
• Utilize computer skills to facilitate processes and software used 
• Pursue objectives with organizational skills to meet goals 
• Work with personnel at all levels of the organization 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• Two (2) year Associates Degree, plus one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Excellent communication skills; both oral and written 
• Great computer skills (Excel and Word 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Shift is 11:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.  Overtime requirements are based on customer needs to meet business objectives. 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

Equal Opportunity Employer 
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

AS AN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER, YOU WILL: 

• Identify opportunities to introduce flow and visual management into processes and work alongside area leadership to implement 
• Utilize process mapping, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis 
• Capture manufacturing cycle time data in the production department, develop improvement plans, and execute action plans 
• Create, review, and update standard work 
• Maintain plant and workstation layouts to reflect the current state and to provide potential future state options to project leaders and management 
• Lead improvement activity by facilitating kaizen events or acting as a project resource 
• Develop area leadership through lean daily management process 
• Train new employees on continuous improvement concepts in Orientation and in other settings 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: 

• BS degree in engineering, manufacturing, or equivalent degree and a minimum of two years’ experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in manufacturing identifying opportunities for the efficiency of manufacturing processes and operations  
• Experienced in lean manufacturing principles 
• Project management experience 
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD 2D for managing plant layouts 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent communication skills 

If qualified and interested, please apply online at www.emerson.com 

BENEFITS:

We offer medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more. We also provide you flexible time-off plans, including parental leave, vacation, and holiday leave.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.  

Baton Rouge – 28 men and women embarked on the beginning of their career as a Louisiana State Police Trooper in the department’s first accelerated training program for POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified applicants. Louisiana State Police Cadet Class 101 will be a 14-week accelerated academy comprised of cadets with a minimum of 2 years of full-time law enforcement experience. Although accelerated in timeframe, the training will not be less in tradition or intensity ensuring each cadet is fully prepared for a career of public service to the citizens of Louisiana.

The accelerated training program will include rigorous physical, mental, and academic challenges. Cadets will receive advanced State Police training beyond POST requirements in the areas of firearm proficiency, tactical driving, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, advanced crash investigation, lawful use of force, implicit bias recognition, and LSP Core Values.

While challenging, Day One for the Cadets is about taking the next step to serve our state. To succeed in a career as a Louisiana State Trooper, cadets must first learn personal discipline, attention to detail, leadership, teamwork, and inner strength. Once they successfully complete each training course and practical application, they will graduate from the LSP Academy on November 4, 2022.

LSP has announced our next academy, LSP Cadet Class 102, as a traditional full length training academy for ALL qualified applicants. Cadet Class 102 is anticipated to commence in February 2023 with an application deadline of October 17, 2022.

Visit www.lsp.org/recruit.html for more information on the hiring process, qualifications, physical fitness standards, and frequently asked questions. 

For those applicants not meeting LSP minimum qualifications at this time, immediate positions are available within the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Police through the Louisiana State Civil Service System. Visit http://www.lsp.org/dps_police.html and http://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov for more information.

POSITION: Utility Department – Electrician

DESCRIPTION: Performs skilled work in the operation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems and equipment. Operates a variety of specialized related equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS: Performs skilled work in the reconstruction, maintaining and repairing electrical systems and equipment and lift stations. Inspects, test, calibrates and adjusts various controls or meters used in electrical, water and sewer systems. Working knowledge of design, layout, assembly, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical systems. Working Knowledge of low voltage systems, control wiring and the ability to understand high voltage systems.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent. Two (2) years related experience.

CONTACT:
City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St., or P.O. Box 37 Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through August 8, 2022

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The Rapides Foundation’s 2021 Annual Report is now available. The theme of the report is “Staying the Course” and highlights work done in support of the Foundation’s Healthy People, Education and Healthy Communities priority areas.

“We believe the priority areas addressed by the Foundation’s work have proven to be even more important as drivers of health since the pandemic began, and addressing these areas effectively can provide greater resiliency to a population,” said Foundation President and CEO Joe Rosier.

The Annual Report can be read online by visiting the Foundation’s website at www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Print versions can be picked up at The Rapides Foundation during normal business hours. To request that a report be mailed, please contact The Rapides Foundation at 318-443-3394 or 800-994-3394.

SABINE:

George Marlon Sepulvado
October 11, 1926 – July 28, 2022
Service: Monday, August 1 at 10 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church

Natchitoches Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge.  You may email them to npjnatla@gmail.com)

POSITION: Electrical Department – Groundman Laborer

QUALIFICATIONS: A working knowledge of principles and practices in overhead and underground electrical power line installation, maintenance procedures and operating/maintenance of substations including low voltage service work is desirable, trim trees and branches and assist the Right of Way Crew. Must work towards obtaining a CDL license. Overtime, standby and dependability is required.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St., or P.O. Box 37 Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application on line at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted through August 8, 2022

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

First impressions are essential and the Natchitoches Parish School Board is taking this to heart as it works to improve branding at schools. Currently when you drive by Natchitoches Central at night, it looks like a nondescript building sitting in the shadows. Lighted signage is being installed on the facade of the school building.

Lakeview has its new football field with a fieldhouse and the outside of the school building will soon have new signage and a new look. The plan is to update the branding and overall look of every school in the district.

“It’s a new way of presenting ourselves,” said Finance Director Lee Waskom. “It’s a way to show pride in our schools.”

Phase 1 of branding for Natchitoches Central includes updating the overall look of the campus. Branding is part of the culture at a school and it’s important to get the town and family members behind the look and everything that goes on at school from academics to athletics.

Phase 1: Lighted signage, big mural on the side of the gym that’s 20×30 feet

Phase 2: All the flag poles will have banners, painting and decals around the entrances, big two-story banners going on the outside sides of the gym (estimated to be installed by late October).

John Belton, currently serving as district attorney for Lincoln and Union parishes, held a “Meet and Greet” at a local restaurant in Natchitoches, Thursday, July 28. The candidate, a Basile native, is running to succeed Jeff Landry as Louisiana’s Attorney General.

Belton spoke before a group of about 100 local officials, including the District Attorneys of Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Grant, Rapides, and Vernon Parishes, civic leaders and interested citizens. The candidate spoke briefly of his background and qualifications. Belton is a 1986 graduate of McNeese State University where he played football for two years. He went on to Law School at Southern University School of Law, graduating in 1990. He is a past president of the state District Attorneys Association, serving from 1999 to 2000 and currently serves as the vice president of the National District Attorneys Association. John Belton has been married to fellow attorney Alana Belton for the past 31 years. They have two children John, 24 and Alexis, 29.

To the Natchitoches Parish citizens summoned for Jury Duty August 1, 2022:

DATE: Monday, August 1, 2022.

The August 1, 2022 date has been cleared. If you received a subpoena to appear on August 1, 2022, your obligation is over and you don’t have to do anything else.

The 10th JDC thanks you for your service.

David Stamey
Clerk of Court Natchitoches Parish
318-352-8152

By Joe Darby

Did you happen to catch the 1982 movie “Cane River” on Turner Classic Movies last week?

Probably most missed it and that’s too bad. I watched it because I saw it listed on the TCM schedule and I was curious. It turns out it is a remarkable film with the old Romeo and Juliet theme. A young Cane River Creole man and a dark-skinned African American girl from Natchitoches fall in love and must deal with the opposition of both their families.

The story of the film itself is just as interesting as the movie’s plot. It was written and produced by Horace Jenkins, a black producer and writer who had won several Emmys for his work on television, mostly for children’s programming. “Cane River” premiered in New Orleans in 1982 but Jenkins unfortunately died not long after that. Black comedian Richard Pryor was at the premier and wanted to fund a nation-wide distribution of the film but he and Jenkins could not reach a deal before Jenkins passed away.

So the film became lost in storage until 2018, when it was resurrected by the Academy Film Archives and reintroduced in 2020. Richard Romain plays Peter Metoyer, a Creole and a descendant of the Marie Therese “Coincoin” of Melrose fame. Tommy Myrick, a New Orleans actress and director plays Maria, Peter’s love interest.

Peter is a former football star who turns down an offer to play pro because he would rather return to his roots and become a poet and writer. Richard Romain, in real life, was a former LSU football star. Romain’s whereabouts today are unknown, according to several social media posts. Maria is a tour guide at Melrose, where she meets Peter and will shortly be entering Xavier University in New Orleans, But it’s not long before they have fallen for each other. Maria’s mother is adamant that she not see Peter any longer because mom fears he will just use her and then dump her.

Peter’s father, a Creole farmer, is also opposed to the relationship. The movie is obviously on a low-budget and has a small cast. But it is still quite charming. The emotional scenes between the various family members are intense and well-acted. Much of the film is taken up by idyllic scenes of Peter and Maria enjoying each others company in various places around Cane River and Natchitoches, as well as New Orleans, while original vocal tracks play in the background.

I found Maria’s actions a little inconsistent. One minute she is obviously in love with Peter and the next she’s decrying their relationship because it will never work. In case you get to see this film I won’t spoil the ending though it does seem a little contrived. In spite of some slow spots during the movie, it is a noteworthy addition to the filmography of our region and deserves more attention than it has received.

It was such an extraordinarily beautiful Friday. I was taking the entire day off and spending it with both of my daughters. We had big plans for this much anticipated work-free day. It included a slow and leisurely stroll down Front Street with stops for coffee, lunch, and a little bit of shopping. But before all of this could take place there were a few minor chores that had to be completed at home.

As fate would have it, those minor chores turned into sweat equity that took a lot longer than expected. We would still be able to enjoy all of our stops on Front Street, we just wouldn’t have the time to look adorable while we were doing it. We had to forego taking showers, finding matching clothes and makeup to hide the flaws that one accumulates while cleaning house and working in the yard.

My two daughters still looked presentable with their youthful glow and natural faces. The older I get, the harder it is to recover quickly from strenuous work. Going out in public with no makeup and dressed in my finest yard clothes does not bother me near as much as it used to. When I was younger I would have never left my home without a full face of beauty products, jewelry and all gussied up. I just assumed that the older we get, the more confident we are in who we are, with or without nice clothes and makeup.

(If I ever start complaining about being single you are more than welcome to refer me back to the above statement……)

Not too far into our downtown journey we ran into some old friends from Winnfield. It was so great to catch up and reminisce about days gone by and talk about how fast all of our children are growing up. I could not let them walk away without throwing in, “I normally don’t look like this, we have been doing house work all morning…” They laughed and went on about their shopping. But who am I kidding, I routinely look like this on the weekends.

As soon as I turned around I ran into another beautiful friend from Alexandria that I had not seen in person in many years. Of course you run into everyone you know while you are dressed in shoes with grass stains on the sides from mowing wet grass. We hugged and I immediately apologized for smelling like fresh cut grass. Being the lovely and authentic woman she is, she graciously began to compliment me on the “Blessed” articles in the Journal that she enjoys reading.

Before the compliment was completely out of her mouth I began to respond by brushing it off and downplaying any of the talent she was alluding to. I acted as if it were nothing. Being the strong and spirit filled woman that she is, she told me it was okay to accept a compliment because she knew God has blessed me so much.

I quickly realized on this very day that we truly are our own worst critics. I stood in this one store and completely roasted myself, not once but twice. I cannot explain why it is so hard to accept compliments or why I feel so comfortable pointing out my flaws before someone else notices them.

I say things about myself that I would never even think of saying about someone else. Though unconfirmed with proper research, I do feel confident this is a toxic trait because I am not acknowledging that all good and perfect gifts come from above. What kind of example was I setting for my impressionable daughters?

I do need them to understand that God created us and all of the complexities that accompany us. He never critiques us. He knew what he was doing, he didn’t make mistakes while creating us and it is perfectly okay to accept a compliment on behalf of his workmanship. Anything less than this is contradictory to the Word of God. Countless scriptures and passages remind us how much he loves us and how perfect he thinks we are. No where in the Bible does it mention that he only loves the people who never smell like fresh cut grass and look perfect every time they leave their house.

“For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:13-16