It was the year that cemented that baseball was back from the 1994 strike. It was also the year baseball expanded to Arizona and Tampa Bay. After the Florida Marlins rocked the baseball world winning the World Series, baseball fans across the nation were tuned in, during the 1998 home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. The goal was 62. The only question was who would get there first.

There are all kinds of graduations taking place about this time of year. We recently attended our grandson’s high school graduation. There were over 600 graduating and thankfully the sun was not shining, it was overcast and cool. SI think several thousand people were in the football stadium. Looking around I noticed people were laughing and talking and there were people of all races and colors. We all sat together and got along beautifully. I very much enjoyed visiting with different people around me. We pointed out with pride our children, grandchildren or relatives on the field below. There was a color guard with the United States flag and our state flag. I felt so proud as we all stood and sang our national anthem and said the pledge of allegiance to our country. I was so pleased to hear, “One Nation under God”. As we sang the national anthem and said the pledge of allegiance it brought tears to my eyes and a great warmness in my heart. I am so glad to be in this wonderful country. We have so many freedoms, a great constitution and a bill of rights that protects us all equally, no favorites. But I can appreciate it so much more now that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, (John 1:12&13, 3:16-18). I have a different and stronger love for God and for other people, (Mark 12:30 & 31, John 13:35 14:23). See you in Church next Sunday. — Brother

The Madisonville CISD Community Education Program will offer a substitute teacher training class beginning Monday, June 14 and lasting through Thursday, June 17, at Madisonville Elementary School. The class will meet from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the library. The registration fee is $35. Interested persons should contact Prince Fite at Madisonville Elementary School at 936-348-2261 or Connie Kelly at the MCISD Administration Building at 936-348-2797 (ext. 5010)