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Family Lines Newsletter, May 5, 2002
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"If I Had Known..."
By David Chadwell
 
When in my twenties, I marveled at the way retired men used their time.  In the typical short-sightedness of my youth, I thought of the things I would do if I had their flexible time and opportunities.  I never had time or opportunity to do things I dreamed of doing.  They (from my perspective) had the time I never had--and the flexibility to use time as they chose!  Now I understand realities I never considered in my twenties.
 
Everyone occasionally thinks about "what I would do if..."  Some think of it as they look at their past.  "If I had it to do over again, I would..."  Some think of it as they attempt to see into the future.  "If  I ever have the opportunity, I will..."  All of us are victims of the deception that "just right" decisions, opportunities, and choices produce the "ideal life."  "It is there!  I just have to open the door!"
 
Some think wealth is the key.  Some think the key is life style.  Others think pleasure, or self-indulgence, or a specific physical body is the key.  Every teen, every man, every woman decides a key exists (for him or her) and decides (for him or her) what that key is.
 
A person enters adult life thinking there is one key.  He or she expects to pursue (and acquire?) "ideal life" with one key.  He or she does not live adult life long before one key becomes two, two keys become three, and a few keys become a key ring filled with keys. 
 
You question that fact?  The key at sixteen and twenty-five are not the same. Twenty-five's key is not fifty's key, and fifty's key is not seventy's key.  We Americans collect keys.  We just add new keys to our key ring.
 
The key to "ideal life" is not wealth, or life style, or pleasure, or self indulgence, or physical attributes (skin tone, physique, physical presentation, weight, or sexual magnetism).  The "ideal life" does not even exist in the context of this life.  The key to acquiring the "ideal life" is God.  That is the point of the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Peter, Paul, and John.  Jesus revealed "ideal life" because he opened our access to God, the key.
Jesus declared, (Matthew 6:25) For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
 
Life is more than survival (even if we live well).  When we meet God (and we will!), may we feel no need to think, "If I had known..."
 
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**Excursions in Education**
By Ted Edwards
 
I've often wondered why only a minority of teens statistically remain plugged into our churches after they reach the age of independence. Then I read this quote from George Barna, "Teens do not go to youth groups for music and games, and they will not attend 'adult church' for music and preaching. They demand transcendent adventures and supportive relationships. They need an outlet for their desire to have a positive affect on the world and to synchronize their inner drive to be needed with the needs of those in the world that have little. Despite their streetwise attitudes, teenagers have a genuine streak of compassion that influences their life. Churches that provide a conduit for serving the community will create more meaningful bonds with the Mosaic generation."
 
Could it be that we've taught the WHAT and HOW of a system -- rather than the WHY of our relationship with Jesus? In other words, have we taught that the answers to these questions, "Why we attend assembly services?" "Why we observe communion on the first day of the week?" and "Why we have an opening prayer and closing prayer?" has more to do with my affiliation and membership in an organization then they have to do with my relationship to the Father?
 
When Paul talked about the WHY, he referred to a relationship with Jesus and not simply a religious system. In Philippians 3:1-16, he dealt with the fact that the religious system in his life had to go in order to make room for this intimate relationship with Christ that he was striving for. Paul used his opportunities as a minister to preach and teach in order to help people develop a deeper understanding of the unfathomable riches found in knowing Christ ... not in knowing facts about a religious institution. (Ephesians 3:7-8)
 
Based on nationwide interviews George Barna's firm conducted among nearly 3000 teenagers, they found out the types of churches that are most appealing to young people depend upon their spiritual inclinations. Teens who consider themselves to be Christian were most interested in the church's internal culture, the depth of community among Christians and the quality of the spiritual substance provided by the church. In contrast, among teens that do not think of themselves as Christian the most appealing facets are the presence of their friends in the church, convenient location, the level of trust and care evident among Christians, and service to the poor of the community.  Think about it. See you in Bible Class!
 

"The Way"
By David Boozer
 
A small group of "seekers" has been quietly and unassumingly meeting every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the Windsor Drive building.  I say quietly and unassumingly not because it has been in secret, but because there have been no mass mailouts, no local newspaper write-ups, no radio announcements, no fanfare.  Admittance has been by invitation only, especially since one would need to have been invited to know when, where, and what.  I call them "seekers" because that word seems to fit them best; they are seeking something better. Some know exactly what they are looking for; others have no idea what they are looking for; they just know they are looking for something, anything. None have a "church of Christ" background; few have even heard of the church of Christ.  Back in January, this Sunday group included me, Warren and Elizabeth Gardenhire, and one visitor. We talked about how Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead.  We have been talking about Jesus every Sunday since.
 
Last Saturday, April 27, this group, hereafter known as The Way (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22), met at 11:00 a.m. --our first time to meet on a day beside Sunday.  This was their idea, not mine.  According to Mary Sexton, a new Christian of less than four weeks, this first Saturday assembly was a success.  The empty dishes that once contained her extremely popular Mexican Chicken casserole seemed to tell the story.  Between the thirteen of us in attendance, this dish didn't stand a chance by the time we ate lunch after 12:00.  Helping her serve the meal was her husband, Jessie, another new disciple, and their first time guest, Pearl.  Pearl was not the only first-time guest; she was joined by Sandy, Aleta, and Angela, all guests of the regular-attending seekers of The Way.
 
On the next day, Sunday, at our regular 4:30 assembly, Roy Dunavin was our special guest-teacher. He taught all eighteen of us in attendance why we are not under the old law anymore -- something many of the seekers had been wondering.  Thanks Roy.  And thanks Warren and Elizabeth for your unselfish involvement in the lives of people that need you so much.  Thanks seekers for seeking and for understanding the importance of sharing what you have found with others.  But most of all, thank you Father, for showing so many of us The Way.
 
**David's Sermons**
Morning: "God's Purposes, Not Ours"
Evening: Prayer: Three Levels of Concern
 
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**In Our Thoughts and Prayers**
 
Elizabeth Evans is very ill at home. She has been sick for several weeks and is having tests.
 
Christy Hesslen is suffering with severe whiplash after being rear-ended by a car Monday morning. Christy's children were with her, but thankfully, unharmed.
 
Eddie Harrell entered the hospital Sunday night with back pain. He is feeling better and was dismissed Thursday.
 
Prayers have been requested for Pearl McKenzie. She is extremely ill and doctors have been unable to diagnose her problem. Mrs. McKenzie is the mother of Chris McKenzie, a former member of West-Ark.
 
June Kelly (sister of Jane Fisher) is recovering from surgery to repair an injury to her arm and wrist. She is still having a lot of pain.
 
Roger Ransom (husband of Betty) is in Sparks Hospital, room 634.
 
Julie Vanderpool is in Sparks, room 492.
 
**Continued Prayers**
Erma Beshears (mother of Patti Anderson)
Jack Bew (father of Diane Arnold)
 
**Change of Address**
(Effective May 10th)
Brad and Melissa Walker
Braden and Brynn
708 North 15th
Ozark, AR 72949
Phone: (470) 667-5686
 
**Correction**
Windlene Ewing has moved to Mercy Crest, room 68, in Barling. (We incorrectly spelled her name last week.)
 
**Wednesday Ladies' Class**
The ladies will have their final Bible study and potluck luncheon this week. Classes begin again in the fall.
 
**Notary Public**
Ann Selig has renewed her Notary Public registration for 10 years. She wants the church to know she will be happy to help in any way she can free of charge. Call her if you have a need at 452-7024.
 
**Bridal Shower**
A shower honoring Jenna Green, bride-elect of David Dickey, is planned for Sunday, May 5th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the FLC. David and Jenna are registered at Dillards, Wal-Mart, and Bed, Bath & Beyond in Fayetteville.
 
**LTC Announcements**
Attention: LTC signup for 2003 will begin during the month of May.
 
Parents of 2nd and 3rd graders are invited to a short LTC presentation and informational meeting. This will be at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning, May 5th, in room 228 ("Thine Art" Sudio).
 
**VBS Needs Workers**
VBS will be here before you know it (July 22-25)! We still need help for all ages. If you can help, please contact Carolyn Harrell at 646-3325 or Dena Jenkins at 478-6486 or by e-mail at denaj@swbell.net
 
**Bus for Sale**
The BMT is considering selling the bus (people mover). If you or anyone you know is interested in getting more information on or puchasing this vehicle, please contact JT Smith (649-9635) or any member of the BMT.
 
**Birthdays**
 
May 12
Floy Lee
May 13
Sally Smith
May 14
Mat Griffin III
Michael Herndon
May 16
Jeff Tomlin
May 17
Dottie Hughes
Robertta Moses
Alice Jean Rogers
May 18
Pat Yick
 
**Car Clinic**
Saturday, May 4, 8 - 11 a.m. at the Annex, weather permitting.
 
**Widows/Widowers Luncheon**
Saturday, May 4, at noon in the Annex. Bring your recipes you want included in the cookbook. If you need a ride, call Bobbie at (479) 674-5814, Mary at 646-6079 or Janice at 474-8851.
 
**Peak of the Week**
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the FLC. Is Jesus really relevant in our lives?  Are we relevant to the people around us?  How can we become more relevant?  Join "Peak of the Week" for the next few Wednesday evenings as we talk about these questions. This Wednesday evening: "Is HE Relevant HERE?"
 
**Spring Gospel Meeting**
9th & S Street Church of Christ
May 5-9
Sunday: 3 p.m.
Monday - Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: John Whitley of Houston
 
**Men's Area Wide Prayer Breakfast**
Saturday, May 11th, 7:30 a.m.
Valley View Church of Christ
Hwys. 10 & 71 in Greenwood
Greenwood, AR
 
**Wedding Announcement**
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
 
SEX, SEX, SEX: There, I hope I have your undivided attention. Just throw those three little letters up anywhere and you’re bound to get several people's attention. It doesn’t matter if they are young or old because SEX is appealing to everyone.
 
Years ago, guys would be the ones to tune in to the "sex message," but our world is changing fast and girls are just as interested as the guys; especially when it comes to your teen daughters.
Mom and Dad, I hope your eyes are open enough to the reality of today’s society and I hope you see what’s happening in our culture. Sex is simply everywhere. It’s on the billboards. It’s in our songs. It’s on the TV. It’s on the computer. It’s even in the church. That’s right, it’s all over the church.
 
This past summer, my eyes were opened when a group of our teen girls asked if I’d let them get their belly buttons pierced on one of our youth trips. They thought I was just "old and out of style" when I refused. They didn’t understand my comments about a person’s body being the temple of the Holy Spirit and how we’re supposed to be different than the rest of the world.
 
Some of them went ahead and got "pierced" anyway after we got back home. Of course, they didn’t tell their moms and dads (hint, hint). I’ve often wondered how a person could be proud of something they couldn’t even show or tell the people they are closest to, but what do I know?
I recently read a magazine published by Focus on the Family and one of the featured articles talks about what is happening to the young girls in our culture. I have made copies of the article, and it’s on the Parent’s Information Table for you to pick up and read.
 
If you’re confused about today’s tattoos, body piercings, clothing styles, and the overall raw sexual nature of our culture, I hope you’ll tune in to my next article. I will be discussing several things that may be of interest to you. Until then, please consider the following words from scripture:
 
"Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body" I Cor. 6:18-19 (New Living Translation).          
 
**Nursery**
Infants
Paula May
Leslie Frederick
Melissa Walker
Toddlers
Dena Jenkins
Irene Willis
P.M.
Dixie Burkhart
Gina Williams
 
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30).............702
Sunday Classes (9:30) ...............494
Evening Worship (6:00).Audit.... 240
Wednesday Worship (7:00)........ 548
Sunday Contribution ............$15,440
 
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax  (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westarkchurchofchrist.org
 
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