Greene Publishing, Inc.

By Jacob Bembry

The past month has been one crazy month for me. A few weeks ago, it seemed that my death sentence had been pronounced. A few weeks later, I’m back at work.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who prayed for me, sent me cards, visited me in the hospital, visited me at home and have helped me financially during my walk with my illness. God heard those prayers and saw the kindness that was bestowed on my family and me. He honored those prayers and that kindness.

The support that I’ve gotten from everyone is wonderful. Although I have lived in Madison County for most of my life, I am still amazed at the wonderful people here and how they are always willing to help. I thank God for you each and every day.

I do not remember what happened and do not remember the first few days in the hospital. My sister, Debbie, said that I awoke on Sunday night, wanted the remote control to the TV and wanted to watch Chuck. She said she had no idea what TV show that was. That does sound like something I would do, though. I love that TV show, which is basically a comedy about a spy, and the TV show Criminal Minds. Those are my two favorite shows currently airing and I don’t like missing them.

I don’t know where my mind and my heart wandered during those first few days, because I have no memory of them. I do not remember what happened at work and my co-workers’ valiant attempts to revive me. I do not remember the trip to Tallahassee on the ambulance and how the paramedics and EMTs worked with me. I do not remember being in the emergency room or being on a respirator. I do not remember the doctors and nurses striving so hard and working with me. I do not remember my family and my friends being there for me. I do not remember the visits that I had. What I do know, however, is the love that I felt and the security I felt. I was safe in the love of God and of others and I was also secure.

As I head into the next year, I pray that I will never forget the love of God and the love of others and I want to proclaim to everyone about my miraculous healing that if God did it for me, He can do it for others.

By Becky Bennett
Guest Columnist

As the 2011 calendar year comes to an end, 4-H members are just getting warmed up. Each member is planning and preparing for the project goals they have set for themselves this year. Project goals are what a 4-H member decides to work toward during the year, based on interests and community involvement.

During the spring, each member has the option to present what they’ve learned to their peers in both competitive and non-competitive events. Some choose to do a demonstrative or illustrative talk during County and District Events. These talks are a show and tell, and are related to the project the members are enrolled in. Have you ever shown anyone how to tie a knot, lay out a pattern, or identify insects? If so, you have given a demonstration. Members usually show and tell about something they enjoy doing in their project.

For example, a member could talk about what it is like to raise a steer – some of the positive experiences as well as what they have learned. These talks are usually 3 to 7 minutes long and give members an opportunity to gain valuable experience in public speaking. Having members do a demonstration at the club level is a great experience for them before going to County Events. This is a good way for members to give others in their club first- hand experience as to what their project is all about. It also allows members to gain feedback from their peers and leaders.

With the dawn of a new year approaching and those dreaded “New Year’s Resolutions” looming on the horizon, take a page from a 4-Her’s handbook on how to reach your goals and have fun in the process! Here are some suggestions:
• Adopt goals and suggest ways to reach them.
• Have a trusted friend or family member suggest ways to improve.
• Set milestone dates for those small accomplishments your reach along the way to achieving your ultimate goals.
• Make a tentative schedule for achieving your goals. Don’t worry if you stray from the schedule…that’s why it’s tentative!
• Set tentative plans to meet with a friend or family member to go over where you are at reaching your goal. This will make you take responsibility and be held accountable.
• Teach others about what you are doing.
• Celebrate your accomplishments!

Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season and a blessed and happy New Year!

Becky V. Bennett
4-H Youth Development Agent
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity—Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A.&M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.