Lots o' Beans, Lots o' Potatoes, Lots o' Lessons Learned

First, let me thank all of you who helped make our first event this year a successful one. I'm not going to start naming people off for fear that I'd leave someone out, but you know who you are, and I can't thank you enough! I must say, I've learned some valuable lessons from this gig. For example, I've learned that two weeks in not nearly enough time to organize an event. Even though I made mistakes, and even though I could have planned it better, you guys pulled through for me and the lodge, as always. We have a great lodge. Not because we have a beautiful building, which we do, and not because we have a fairly large membership, which we do, and not because we are proficient in the ritual program, which we are, but because we have consistently reliable brothers who know how make things happen. I am a fortunate man. I have been called into a leadership position with members, who themselves, are outstanding leaders. I truly do not feel worthy to be leading such a wonderful lodge, and such a great group of men. I'm honestly touched by the effort you guys put forth because of some cockamamie idea that I had. And then, on top of that, you made it work. Give yourselves a pat on the back. You did a great job. I would be a fool, however, if I neglected to thank our Heavenly Father. I spent a great deal of time in prayer before our event, and to say we did it all ourselves would be foolish. He does answer prayers.
Again, thank you all for your help and unselfishly devoting your time to this project. God bless you.

Grand Lodge, Grand Time, and Grand Food

Another Grand Lodge year has come and gone. I must say, this years session was not nearly as eventful as last years, but it was fun none the less. I always enjoy seeing the procedures and enjoying the time we get to spend together as brothers and masons.
This year, Brother Ronnie Hedge, is our new Grand Master. I've known Brother Ronnie since I joined masonry and I have no doubt that he's gonna be a wonderful Grand Master. As many of you may know, Jonesboro Lodge will be hosting one of Brother Ronnie's Grand Master Meetings on June 13. I'm pretty sure we'll be having some of our famous catfish that day... So be there!
In a couple of weeks we will have our Country Lunch. For $5.00, you can have all-you-can-eat beans and ham, stewed potatoes, and cornbread. All the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics.
Special Olympics is a great cause. I have participated in several charities throughout my life, but SO is my favorite by far. Please come out and help us, or at the very least donate some of that hard earned money you have stuffed under your mattress. Remember, one of the first lessons you learn as a mason is that of charity!