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Family Lines
Newsletter, April 28,
2002
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"Now That Is What I Had In Mind!"
By David
Chadwell
The creative process attempts to make a mental picture or
mental concept and make thoughts become reality. How often have you said,
"I know what I have in mind, but it is hard for me to explain it."
Many things begin as "an idea." The "idea" exists in
your mind and thoughts, but you do not know where your "idea" exists as a
reality. Therefore you do one of three things. Either you "make"
what you "have in mind;" or you find someone else who can "make" what you "have
in mind;" or you "search" for what you "have in mind."
All of us commonly use this process. You want a
different house. You "have in mind" exactly what you want. You look
for "what I have in mind." You want a different car. You "have in mind"
exactly what you want. You look for "what I have in mind." That is
the common process used when we need a unique tool for a job, a unique machine
for a need, a special article of clothing, a computer system, etc.
When you "know what you want," you explain to someone who does
not "see" your mental picture, "I will know it when I see it." When you
see it, you declare, "Now that is what I had in mind!" What joy when we
locate "what I had in mind!"
When God created the universe, He had something "in
mind." When He brought humanity into existence, He had something "in
mind." When temptation won in the garden of Eden, God did not abandon what
He had "in mind." When evil perverted His creation and people, God did not
abandon what He had "in mind." God pursued what He had "in mind" with
great patience, mercy, and love. God used Jesus' death and resurrection to
create the renewed opportunity for what He had "in mind" for
humanity.
"But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have
heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in
reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is
being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed
in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of
God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth" (Ephesians
4:20-24).
QUESTION: Does God look at your heart, your mind, your
emotions, your commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, your dedication to godly
living, and the way you treat other people and say, "Now that is what I had in
mind!"
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**Excursions in Education**
By Ted Edwards
Whenever I consider the fact that God is forever faithful, God
is forever strong, God is forever with us, forever and ever -- it brings me
comfort and assurance. Those simple words should mean a lot to us in these
uncertain days for our nation and in our day-to-day living.
Not only do I gain a lot of encouragement from remembering
those words, but I'm also encouraged when I'm with the Church. Biblically, a
Church is a group of people knit together from the heart to worship and serve
God together. Biblically, the Church is not the institutional non-profit
corporation; nor is it the charitable, religious, tax-exempt organization. The
Church is not a place either, biblically speaking. The Church is the people who
have found that following God together in building each other up in their common
faith and spreading their faith is the most important thing in life.
Many people today are looking for good friendships
friendships that help one another grow in the faith. Over time, these
relationships form a strong bond of love and care for each other. This is why
many families choose smaller congregations to be a part of. They think that
smaller means intimate. I believe that the larger our congregation grows at
West-Ark, the smaller we need to become.
One way to really get to know others in the Family at West-Ark
is by participating in the LIFE Group ministry. The LIFE groups are
composed of West-Ark families who meet in their homes weekly for Bible study,
prayer and fellowship time. This ministry is designed to always allow new people
in.
The basic objective of our LIFE Groups is to grow spiritually
and multiply numerically. This is accomplished as we meet with others weekly in
our homes. In these LIFE groups everyone is encouraged to discover their talents
and gifts given to them by the Lord and then put them to work in His service.
If you would like to know how you fit into our LIFE Group
Ministry at West-Ark, contact Ted Edwards, Larry Roper or Blake Frost for more
information.
Last Chance for Pictures!
If you would like to have a new
or updated picture made for the directory, stop by Room 106 this Sunday, April
28th, ½ hour before or after services (morning or evening).
**3-6 Grade Overnight Lockin**
Join us for a night of
friends, food, and fun in the LORD. Sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
WHERE:
West-Ark FLC
DATE: May 3-4, 2002
WHEN: 6:00 p.m. Friday Night to 10:00
a.m. Saturday Morning
WHY: To have fun in the LORD
COST: $5 (covers
pizza Friday night and breakfast Saturday morning).
BRING: Sleeping bag,
pillow and a snack to share.
**Children's Vitamins Needed**
We are needing donations of
children's multiple vitamins (of any brand name) to take to Guyana. Donations
may be placed in a box in the foyer labeled "Vitamins for Guyana."
**Jail Ministry**
Milton Hendrix taught the gospel message in the
Sebastian County Detention Center on Sunday, April 20. We are delighted to learn
that 6 men responded, and confessions of faith were given. Arrangements
are being made for their baptisms.
**Pantry Needs**
tuna
canned meat products including spaghetti,
ravioli, (but not chilli)
milk (dry or evaporated)
snack crackers
(other than saltines)
**Sunday's Lessons**
Morning: "Our Attempt For Faithless Salvation" by
David Chadwell
Evening: 4th Sunday Night Singing (No fellowship meal --
instead get together with someone you don't know for a sandwich or
burger.)
**Birthdays**
May 5
Sarah Sawyer
May 6
Whitney Dotson
John Hawkins
May
8
Marjorie Blake
Sara Dockery
May 9
Ron Bartlett
Brent
Dunavin
Eddie Harrell
May 10
Torrey Bishop
Adina Boatright
Milton
Hendrix
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**In Our Thoughts and Prayers**
Jack Bew (father of Diane Arnold) returned to the hospital last week with
respiratory problems, and is in CCU at Baptist in Little Rock.
Erma Beshears (mother of Patti Anderson) is very ill.
David Harwell is in St. Edward, but is due to be dismissed soon.
Waymon Griffin (Mat's mother) is in Sparks, room 508 and expects to be
dismissed soon.
Roger Ransom (husband of Betty) is in Sparks Hospital, room 634.
Julie Vanderpool is in Sparks, ICU.
Judy Halford was dismissed from the hospital Wednesday.
Gwendolyn Ewing has moved to Mercy Crest in Barling.
Prayer has been requested for Emily Parnell, a 7th grader at Chaffin Junior
High. She has been diagnosed with a viral infection that attacks the central
nervous system.
**Bridal Showers**
A shower honoring Mandy Russell, bride-elect of
Darren Chilton, is planned for Sunday, April 28th, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the
Annex. Mandy is registered at Linen & Things, Penneys, and on-line at Crate
& Barrel (search for Amanda Russell).
www.crateandbarrel.com
A shower honoring Jenna Green, bride-elect of David Dickey, is planned
for Sunday, May 5th, in the FLC. David and Jenna are registered at Dillards,
Wal-Mart, and Bed, Bath & Beyond in Fayetteville.
**News from Thailand and Laos**
By Jerry Canfield
The radio program is being broadcast from Nong Kai, Thailand, into Laos and
N.E. Thailand is growing in popularity and results. Please pray for
the Thai brethren who daily present the gospel of Christ into a worldly
culture. It is a substantial task to prepare and broadcast the thirty
minute program each day.
The following are needed for the program:
a) news regarding Christians from around the world; and,
b)
non-instrumental children's songs.
John Paul Hundley recently provided a disc of Christian songs in
French. Please pray that God will provide air time on another radio
station so we can reach even other parts of Laos.
The Lao Christians are well. Recent news is that the congregation in
one of the small villages is meeting for worship without interference. (There
were 40 in attendance this past weekend.) The men of the congregation in
Vientiane are still negotiating with the government seeking permission to
assemble in Vientiane. Contacts from the radio program and other studies
are being visited and information, including a Bible, provided.
**Wedding Invitation**
Because you have shared in our lives
by your
friendship and love, we
Amanda Gayle Russell and
Darren James
Chilton
together with our parents
invite you to share the
beginning of
our new life together
when we exchange marriage vows
on Saturday, the
eleventh of May
at six o'clock in the evening
3627 Free Ferry Road
Fort Smith, Arkansas
(home of Mitch and Robin Harper)
In the event of
non-cooperative weather,
the ceremony and
reception will be held at
West-Ark Church of Christ.
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**Living Images of God's Healing Truth**
By Brad Pistole
Heres a question for all of you scholars out there: "When is a person old
enough?" That is right! When is a person old enough?
When is a person old enough to stand up for Christ? Is there an age or a
grade that qualifies a person? Do they have to be a Christian before they stand
up for Christ?
What do you think? At what point is a person "prepared" for personal
ministry to others. Is there a book that will lead them to this point? Is there
a test they have to take and pass before they are "qualified?"
I call your attention this week to the actions of some of our elementary
students. Three of our elementary girls have been on an interesting journey the
past few days. They have been faced with some questions concerning scripture and
have had to make some decisions regarding spiritual truth.
They talked to their teachers and other adults about it and suggested
something be done in order to teach the word of God more accurately. They
checked books out of our church library and have even spent some of their
recesses at school having a Bible study together in order to make sure they
clearly understood what God meant in certain passages of scripture.
I am proud of you Leslie, Meredith, and Courtney! Never stop searching for
the truth. Dont even be afraid to challenge an adult about their understanding
of scripture. We need to be willing to learn some things from you.
Always remember these words: "Let no one look down on your youthfulness,
but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example
of those who believe." That may even be when youre at school, at work, at
worship, etc. Do all things to the glory of Christ and honor Him with your
life!
**Nursery Workers**
A.M. Infants
Berniece Rogers
Joann Davenport
Sharon Faries
Toddlers
Sue George
Kristin Smith
Rayna Edwards
P.M.
Donna Lindgren
Arista Lindgren
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30).............685
Sunday Classes (9:30)
...............500
Evening Worship (6:00).............. 304
Wednesday
Worship (7:00)........ 343
Sunday Contribution ............$13,698
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