A few Christmas words
Amid the hustle and bustle of the reorganization of the Arkansas State Senate and Arkansas House of Representatives this past week, I called upon the members of the Northwest Arkansas delegation for a quick writing assignment.
“Give me a few Christmas words for the folks back home,” I wrote to each member in a quick email.
Their words, will not disappoint; rather, they will really charm you.
So here are some Christmas words from your local elected officials.
••• State Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Springdale, of House District 87, includes portions of western Springdale, rural Washington and Benton County and Siloam Springs.
“May each of us slow down during this hectic time and learn to savor this unique time and season. God’s greatest gift of his son, was sent to us on this earth. Amid the solemnness of this season comes the annual reuniting of friends and family, this is an indeed precious bonus each year. I want to thank the people of House District 87 for their support of me and a program of good government for all the citizens of Arkansas.
“From the Lundstrum household, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.”
••• From newly elected state Rep. Austin McCollum of Rogers, of House District 95, in Rogers. He will take office Jan. 9.
“The Christmas season is approaching and I am looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior! I’m very thankful that I’m able to serve our state. I’d encourage everyone to reflect on their blessings and what they are thankful for.”
“Merry Christmas to both District 95 and all of Arkansas.” ••• State Rep. Kim Hendren, RGravette, of House District 92, a portion of western Benton County.
“My favorite scripture passage is John 1:1-14 — especially verse 14: “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (the incarnation).” “Thanks for asking!”
••• State Sen. Jim Hendren, R-Gravette, Senate District 2, mostly parts of western Benton and Washington counties.
“Merry Christmas from the Jim Hendren family.
“I want to thank the people of Northwest Arkansas for the privilege of representing them in the Arkansas Senate.
“As I have spent considerable time in the Middle East the last few years, I have come to love the beauty and opportunity of Northwest Arkansas more and more. We have so much to be grateful for and this is the time of year when our family takes time to reflect on the blessings we have — including what we consider to be our biggest blessing — a Loving God sending his perfect Son to this world to pay the price for my sins; A gift none of us deserve and a blessing we should never forget.
“I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year.”
••• State Rep. Jana Della Rosa, RRogers, House District 90, which is a part of Benton County.
“I wish everyone in Northwest Arkansas health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year.”
••• Requests for words were sent to the other state Senators and state House members in Benton County, but no replies were received in time to be included.
••• Merry Christmas everyone! — Maylon Rice is a former journalist who worked for several northwest Arkansas publications. He can be reached via email at maylontrice@yahoo.com.