Food For Thought

  So!  I do not intend to write any negative comments about our country in the future.  I have noted in the past how concerned we should be about the problems of the Federal government and our local situation.  We all are looking forward to the time when our education budgets are fulfilled.  Our children and grand children are going through pressured times, much about all the information they hear daily on the television and in the newspaper.  Parents are in the dark about all the information being slipped into  textbooks, published and placed into the classrooms.  How involved are our representatives in Washington, who are in charge of the education system?  Who approves the content of our textbooks?  Who should care about "what our children are learning," other than the parents?  It's a very bad thing to say, but I can understand why such a high percentage of people do not vote.  Do we have controversial professors  teaching in the Universities throughout the United States?  Well, enough of these non-negative comments.  After attending our Sunday school teachers meeting this past Saturday morning, and hearing Mr. Jimmy Carter's comments Monday night about our country being more divided than ever in history.  Maybe our Churches should recall our missionaries from all foreign countries.  We need them here!  Can you read between the lines, when I say that changing parties in congress and the White house may not be the total problem?

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory Of Jerome M. Brooks, Born January 16, 1941 in Donalsonville, Georgia. Departed This Life April 3, 2008, The Villages, Florida. Funeral Service, Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, Monday, April 7, 2008 at 2:00PM. Officiating, Mr. Harry E. Brooks.

Over the years, Merell always ending our conversation after talking on the phone with, "I love you"! At the visitation, I could see that love that Merell had for all his grand kids in their little eyes. I wish I could tell all of Merell's family and friends, to hold on and remember the good times and good memories you had with Merell. The ruff times, the hurts, the times of worry and stress are now in the past and washed away by God almighty himself. Merell would want it that way. God has given him a new body with a lifetime warranty. Let us strive, each one of us, from this day forward, to love and support each other as a loving family. I think Merell would truly say those two lines, written in "The Fallen Limb" poem in the Loving Memory brochure: "I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin, Until the day comes we're together again." May God Bless Our Family. Uncle Jake

Thursday, April 10th 2008 - 05:04:42 AM

It's Time For A Laugh!

Notes for JESSE GENERAL CANNON, SR.: As told by Jess Cannon, Jr. ~ When it was time for peanut picking time the Cannons would go from field to field helping people pick their peanuts. I believe we were helping Uncle Buster with his field. We started home that evening driving the mule and we had a board on the wagon to sit on to driving the next farm to pick more peanuts. Before you started home we would put that board (which had a spring on it) back up on the wagon to drive home. It rode good. We got up on the seat and was driving home and Jess, Jr. kept asking his daddy to let him drive. He said - no you've been driving all day, you don't want to run this mule. He's tired. Jesse would do the driving. Jess, Jr. said, "alright".



Jess, Jr., kept sitting there and of course him being a boy and riding and messing around, there were peanuts all over the floor of the wagon. Jess, Jr., began to pick up those loose peanuts and started flicking them at the mule. Naturally the mule would swish his tail every once in a while and he kept thumping those peanuts. Soon the mule swished his tail to one side and Jess, Jr. thumped a peanut under his tail. The mule clamped down on it (in his butt) and he started running and his daddy fell over the seat in the wagon. That mule run all the way home and right up into the barn, hitting a tree and knocking one of the wheels off. Daddy couldn't get up. He was hollering "Whoa, whoa, whoa" and he was laying down in the bottom of the wagon and couldn't get up and the seat fell down on top of him. Of course, Jess, Jr., being a young boy I was in the leaning up against the back of the wagon, enjoying the ride. Daddy was flopping around, trying the stop the mule. Of course, Jess, Jr., was enjoying that ride and was worried when the wheel came off. During peanut picking time those wagons were important so his daddy had to repair the wheel, so Jess, Jr., just knew he had had it now. Daddy didn't say a word, he just cooled off. The mule had lost almost half of the harness, so daddy unharnessed him and put him in the barn. It was almost supper time, so of course, I stayed to myself. Mama called to let us know it was supper time. We went into the house to sit down to supper when mama asked daddy, "What was going on out there. I see you didn't have much conversation and I see one of the wheels fell off of the wagon." Daddy told mama, "I think you should keep your son at home tomorrow. I don't think he has much business driving that mule." Mama said, "well what did he do?" Daddy said, "He was flipping peanuts in the mule's ass and the mule ran away, it tore up the wagon and I couldn't stop it."
Monday, July 7th 2008 - 11:47:55 AM

Eltrym, My Sister, My Friend And More!

.by Jake Cannon on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 12:47am.Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 11:49pm
You are who you are for a reason. You're part of an intricate plan. You're a precious and perfect unique design, Called God's special woman or man. You look like you look for a reason. Our God made no mistake. He knit you together within the womb, You're just what he wanted to make. The parents you had were the ones he chose, And no matter how you may feel, They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind, And they bear the Master's seal. No, that trauma you faced was not easy. And God wept that it hurt you so; But it was allowed to shape your heart So that into his likeness you'd grow. You are who you are for a reason, You've been formed by the Master's rod. You are who you are, beloved, Because there is a God! (To remember Eltrym, my Sister and Friend and More!) 10/18/2004 Eltrym felt that "Being included in God's family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever receive."

Julie E. Cannon likes this.
Sheila Donalson Del Castillo Uncle, do you write these things? They are so beautiful.
September 18, 2009 at 6:51am · Steve Cannon Jake, I think you did however miss your calling. But as they say it's never to late. Keep sharing things with us you do have a way of it. Thanks,LOL Steve
September 18, 2009 at 7:19am · Sherrie Donalson Walker Thank you for sharing this with us, Uncle Jake.
September 18, 2009 at 8:56am · Tammy Adams-Lees all I know is that I was blessed to be in this family... my grandparents(Elene and Edward) and their brothers and sisters have left a legacy of love and faith that is and will continue for generations to come... Love you my GREAT Uncle
September 18, 2009 at 11:28am · Belinda Baxter Brooks I love it, that is so beautiful !!!! thank you for sending.

"Happy Anniversary"

Mama and Daddy,

I've come to appreciate you two a lot. I'm thankful for my Christian upbringing and knowing I have loving and encouraging parents. You taught me where to draw my strength from and how to be calm in the mist of the storm. Also, you showed me where to find my identity and then guided me into figuring out, who I am! Happy Anniversary, I love you, Jolie

 Love you Jolie, Mom and Dad

Our Twilight Zone!

.by Jake Cannon on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 2:08pm.
To Carrie
There is a twilight zone in our hearts that we ourselves cannot see. Even when we know quite a lot about ourselves---our gifts and weaknesses, our ambitions and aspirations, our motives and our drives---large parts of ourselves remain in the shadow of consciousness. This is a very good thing. We will always remain partially hidden to ourselves. Other people, especially those who love us, can often see our twilight zones better than we ourselves can. The way we are seen and understood by others is different from the way we see and understand ourselves. We will never fully know the significance of our presence in the lives of our love ones. That's a grace, a grace that calls us not only to humility, but to a deep trust in those who love us. It is in the twilight zones of our hearts where true friendships are born. The past forty nine years of our marriage have been so fulfilling in so many ways. Thanks for our two beautiful daughters, thanks for being my friend, thanks for your trust and untiring devotion. In the rough times and the good times. You have always been there for me and our girls. Love you!

"Stand By Me"

.by Jake Cannon on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 11:51pm.  (Julie's First Bass)                                                            Behind every truly successful person is someone who has been a steadfast encouragement and example to them, someone who has helped them build a strong wall of faith, planted an eternal vine of hope, and laid the foundation of love. Such a compassionate influence is a blessing beyond comparison. This unwavering model in my life is my father. Through the example of his life, I have learned to walk boldly and wisely with the knowledge of the Divine hand above directing my paths. Many times I have  made poor decisions, but my father has stood by me with gentle discernment and love in his eyes. It is true that we are shaped by what we love, and by whom we are loved. I am never prouder than when someone tells me I remind them of my father. The encouragement and love he has given me is one of the greatest influences and sources of happiness in my life. The above was an assignment for Julie to write about someone who had some kind of influence in her life. I am so proud my daughter felt I was worthy to be one of these people in her life.                                      Thank you Julie, I love you very much. Dad

God Of Surprises--Francis Brienen, United Kingdom

.by Jake Cannon on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 11:24pm.                                                                      Julie sent me this prayer. I thought it was great and would perk up everyone!

God of surprises,
when I think you are not present in my life,
you reveal yourself in the love of friends and family
and nurture me in your never-ending affection.
God of surprises,
when we think you are not present in our community,
you labor to make us of one heart
and cause us to share gladly and generously.
God of surprises,
when people think you are not present in our world,
we bring hope out of despair
and create growth out of difficulty.
God of surprises,
you are ever with us.
When the days go by and our vision fades,
keep surprising us.
When our hope dims and our patience wears thin,
keep coming to us.
Teach us to keep our lamps lit
and to be prepared,
that we may see your loving presence among us.

Have a fun rainy day, Love, Julie

Your Mother Is Always With You



.by Jake Cannon on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 11:49pm.

Your mother is always with you...

She's the whisper of the leaves

as you walk down the street.

She's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks.

She's the cool hand on your brow

when you're not well.

Your mother lives inside your laughter.

She's crystallized in every tear drop.

She's the place you came from,

your first home...

She's the map you follow

with every step that you take.

She's your first love

and your first heart break...

and nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, Not space...

Not even death...

will ever separate you

from your mother...

You carry her inside of you...

Author Unknown

Sister's Day

.by Jake Cannon on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 11:48pm.Be the kind of lady that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh Crap, she's up!" Sister, life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don't, just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Kiss slowly. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it. Today is Sister's day, send this to all your sisters.

I LOVE YA Sister'!!!
To the cool ladies that have touched my life. Here's to you!! A real Sister walks with you when the rest of the world walks on. Send to all your Sisters because the fake ones won't!!




                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Let Time Stand Still

.by Jake Cannon on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 11:34pm.If only time could stand still for a few days, just long enough for me to catch up on a few things, maybe important things, I missed along the way. I could visit some old friends or spend a little time with my kin folks I haven't seen in some time. I feel that I have missed too many hugs and hand shakes. Close family ties are slowly slipping away. Phone calls just doesn't seem to be satisfying. I just finished watching the movie, "August Rush". The young boy longed for his parents for eleven years. He felt in his heart, that if he just kept listening to music, it would bring them together. I know for sure that I am getting too old to watch that kind of touching movie. Being away from family for long periods of time can and will become stressful. We should make everyday count where family is concerned. All you young cousins, nieces and nephews, review your lifestyle, and please make every effort to stay in touch with your family. Say "I Love You" as often as possible. God bless our family, Uncle Jake and Aunt Carrie.

.

To My Brother, With Love & Memories/Happy Birthday June 27

.by Jake Cannon on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 2:01am.I was three years old, and at times I thought those handlebar rides on my brothers bike would be my last day on earth. Jess, my older brother, would place me on the handlebars and we would ride eight or ten miles one way to the old swimming hole. Four or five of those miles were on the old highway 84 towards Dothan, Alabama. The swimming hole was used by many kids from Jakin, and boy was the water for ever cold! Jess said that I was a little on the butterball size, and I should not sink the time he threw me in the creek, which was at least ten feet deep. He said I just floated, that is after I came up from the bottom of the creek. I don't think I took that ride back down 84 ever again, that is on that bike. The bike rides did continue, until one day while we were going home from a trip to Burkett Store for an RC and a moon pie. Just before we reached the house, my foot slipped off the front finder and my ankle bone was cut off. I can remember laying on my back on the front porch while mother bandaged over the missing end of my ankle. I don't think I was allowed to ride that bike again. Don't worry, a couple of years later during sugar cane season, my brother Jess and three of our older cousins were down in the woods walking back towards the cane mill. They had a single shot BB gun and they decided they would take advantage of me one more time. They lined up in a row ten or twelve feet in front of me and gave me the BB gun loaded and ready to fire. I was about three and they said they would count to ten, run and I could fire the gun at them. Guess what! I shot Jess in the ass. The BB had to be dug out. I don't know why he ask me: why didn't you shoot at the other three! When my brother reached the age of fifteen and I was four, our lives changed greatly. Our mother passed away, and I lost my brother until he returned from the Army. I guess he was twenty or twenty one years old. Even after he returned from service we did not get to spend very much time together. After Carrie and family moved to Brandon, Florida, my brother and I started spending some grown up time together. So, from 1975 until now, it has been a blessing to spend time with a brother who you respect and love. Thanks Jess, for being a man and a brother, who our mother and dad would be very proud. Although this coming June 27Th will be your 83rd birthday, I feel we still have many more years of joy together.

Honeymoon May, 1965

Carrie and I were married in Columbus, GA May 30, 1965.  A nice church wedding with the reception at T and Myrtle's home.  My dad was our best man with other friends from work were present.  We made our way to Atlanta, GA and spent the first night at the Stone Mountain Lodge.  The honeymoon suite was large and they claimed we were the first couple.  The bed had large bed post with a canopy over the top.  I felt I was in a maze with the clouds falling on me.  We left and headed for Gatlinburg, TN.  Oh!  We stole the  key to the honeymoon suite.  We spent most of the week in Gatlinburg, and traveled in North and South Carolina.   Great time and well deserved!!!


Joe, Addie & Jake

A day of fishing at Pine Mountain, GA
Jake, Joe & Addie

I Will Not Give Up!

Well, after writing a few articles since 2007 about our country, our public school system, and a few "food for thought" items. I have never seen and heard so many of my friends and family members, who are so concerned about our future. Prayer is very prevalent for our country, when you attend church, in Sunday school and in our family time at home. I know! Many people out there do not wish to hear comments about prayer. I am so sorry if these comments offend anyone , but prayer is so much a part of my life. To inform everyone who might read these articles that appear in the Dothan Eagle under "letters". You can go on line and pull up the Dothan Eagle web and read all the comments to the articles written daily under opinions. You will be very surprised at how different people might think about a subject than you. Reading some of these comments will let you understand a little better, why its so important to have more than one party making decisions in Washington. The thing that bothers me so much of late, so many men and women within the same party are disagreeing with each other on the direction of our country. I just hope and pray, sorry I used that word again! The articles I read on line and in the news about the "slipped in" taxes in the health care bill, signed into law by this president.

I will not give up my dignity. I will not give up my "paid for" property. I will not give up my firearms, passed on to me over seventy years ago. I will not give up my freedom to worship. I will pray to my God whenever and wherever I choose. I will continue to tell people about Jesus. I will respect our leaders of this great country, and let them know when I think they are wrong. I will not become a socialist thinking person, (to transfer industry, etc. from private to public or government ownership.)I do not agree with communism,(the theory of a social system in which everything is held in common, private property being abolished.)... I love my country because of what the constitution promises to every citizen. What more can I say! Did I go overboard?



Jake Cannon

Dothan, Alabama

Concerned about 'change'

How long will it take until we, as Americans, will not be able to recognize this country?  The environmentalists have bought out most of our politicians in Washington.  The teachers union has created a complete disaster for our school system.
The cash-for-clunkers was a winner!  I read that the taxpayers only lost $26 billion.
This new bureaucracy created in Washington by this administration has spent billions of dollars---borrowed dollars that the American people did not approve.  The debt is now so large and no government leader has any type of plan to pay it down.
How much does the media really know about corrupt operations going on in our government?
John Adams said: "But a constitution of government once changed from freedom can never be restored.  Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."
I am worried that our country cannot wait two more years to make adjustments in the "changes" that are taking place, many behind closed doors.
Here in Alabama, the Democrats have had control of the Alabama legislature for more than 136 years.  Please go to http://www.alabama2010.com/ for information on what is going on in our state.
I am waiting for the day we can get back to more independent-thinking Americans, who believe in the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and one nation under God.
Jake Cannon--Published in the Dothan Eagle 7/28/10

Jess Cannon Jr

Comments on a family reunion   Hey This is all great!  Let's all Pray This will be the beginning of a great Reunion for the Cannon Family, Thank you Jake For Just being you, And the great help you have in Carrie, Julie and Jolie , We Love you all. We just Love it. Jess and Shirley,
Sunday, October 17th 2004 - 07:50:19 PM

Julie, Jess & Faye

 To all kin folk out there in e-mail land. Julie Cannon has recommended that each one of us write down some old "funny happenings", which took place in your family in the past. The old "first generation" group had so many funny things which took place in their life time. Jess Cannon Jr can tell you about the time, when my Dad, Jess Cannon Sr had Jess Jr rocking our baby sister Faye when she was only a few weeks old, in an old rocking chair in the old home place. Jess Jr was really giving the old rocking chair a workout, when one of the rockers broke and backwards they went and Faye ended up under the bed. Dad was not too happy with this type of rocking! This is the kind of funnies I'm talking about. We could have a good list to read to everyone next reunion. Thanks, Jake    (My Little Sister, who rolled under the bed.  After her oldest brother turned over backward, while rocking her.)                                                                                      
                                                                                                              
Saturday, October 16th 2004 - 08:00:29 PM

Jess Cannon's 80TH Birthday Celebration

Jess and Shirley
Lutz, FL

 Hello everyone! My brother Jess Cannon Jr. will be celebrating his big 80TH birthday this coming June 29TH in Tampa, FL. given by his children. The event will be held at the Tampa Palms/ Compton Park Clubhouse in Tampa, Fl. Jess is doing very well after his heart operation a few weeks back. We know this will be a great day for Jess and we wish him the very best in the years to come. We love you. Bro., Jake
Friday, June 22nd 2007 - 04:47:26 AM

The Election Is Over!

Well, the long election is over, and now we must get on with our lives.  I have always been supportive of our serving president and leaders of our great country.  We must now set aside disappointments and pray daily for our leaders.
Our country has many problems to work out and it would be helpful if we, as a country, would include in our daily operation of government the guidance of our lord and creator.  We have left prayer out of so many things that affect our family, our daily lives and our government.  I pray that we, as a nation, will wake up and review our priorities.  We need a strong leader in Washington who truly has the country's welfare at heart.  We cannot afford to be split on everything that affects our country.
The past eight years have been full of blaming our president, one party against the other.  Pray for our new president and vice-president and new leaders in Washington.  Pray for and support our local public schools and our great teachers, who really do have our children's future at heart.
As a nation, we know very well the problems in
Washington.  What part can we play in supporting our great city of Dothan?  Get involved!
Jake Cannon
Published in Dothan Eagle 2008