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Family Lines Newsletter, March 23, 2006
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**The Power of Contentment**
By David Chadwell
 
1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”
 
When Paul wrote the above statement, he discussed people who used Christianity as a means of financial success.  These were people who viewed godliness as a means of obtaining wealth.  Why should they not reach that conclusion?  In both the worlds of Judaism and idolatry, those who controlled the workings of temples were wealthy people.  Obtaining wealth was not to be Timothy’s motivation in his ministry.
 
Paul recommended a different focus to Timothy: godliness combined with contentment.  Both are complex subjects.  One focuses on a correct view of God.  The other focuses on our attitude toward our complete environment.  Of the two, we American Christians likely find ‘contentment’ the more complex.  That does not suggest we have ‘mastered’ godliness! Yet, rarely do we humans [at least in this society] find and experience contentment.  When we think we find it, we likely are ‘discontent’ with our contentment.  Everything that is ‘good’ with us could be better!
 
I laughed at myself this week.  I fell in late August and dislocated my left shoulder.  This week for the first time I slept one night without my left arm awakening me.  Even the few times I slept all night, I was aware that my arm hurt.  Had I slept all night two months ago without an awareness of my left arm hurting, I would have shouted, “Wonderful!”  Last week I said to myself, “Wonder when it will happen two consecutive nights?”  When (if) that happens [knowing me], I already know what I will say to myself: “Wonder when it will happen for a week?”  If that occurs, I will say to myself, “Wonder when it will happen for a month?”  At that milestone, I will say to myself, “Wonder when it will happen indefinitely?”
 
What should I say each step of the way?  “Thank you, God!” [with genuine appreciation!]  I seek to remind myself of something we all need to remember:  “Instead of complaining about the bad things, be aware of and grateful for the good things.”  In our society, it seems to be more ‘natural’ to keep tract of complaints than to be grateful for blessings!
 
To me, a powerful Christian example of the principle of contentment combined with godliness is found in Philippians 1.  Paul, who unjustly was in prison, comforted Christians at Philippi by declaring how his imprisonment blessed the spread of knowledge about Jesus Christ.  Wow!  What awareness in horrible circumstances!
 
Are you a Christian?  Pray to God and ask Him be your source of strength as He enables you to see His blessings in every situation and circumstance.  Being a godly person is a complex commitment. Being content is a choice.  Choose to see and acknowledge blessings even when your circumstances are a mess!
 
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**Please Pray For**
• Audra Bocksnick is at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for tests.
• Chuck Cunningham had a pre-op appointment on Wednesday.
• David Hardy is scheduled to have kidney surgery on March 30th in Memphis, TN.  (David is the son-in-law of former members, Ken & Connie Tipton.)
• Joan Jenkins will complete a two-week series of radiation treatments on Friday.
• Joel Prigge (brother-in-law of Louise Howard; cancer treatment)
• John Paul Hundley (missionary in Marceilles, France) has moved to Valmante Cardiac Rehab and hopes to go home this weekend. (Read Ruby Lee’s e-mail in “Family Update.”)
• LeRoy Null (Bob’s dad) is in St. Edward Hospital following a mini stroke. He hopes to be dismissed on Friday (3/24/06).
• Myra Flippo has an appointment with a lung surgeon on March 29.
• Raegon Waid (7 ½ week old niece of Patrick and Dana Pruitt) will be having a second surgery Thursday morning at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Her condition is very critical.
• Slats Slaton (Brian Pistole’s father-in-law; cancer treatment)
• Wendell Fenton (father of Natalie Nelson; cancer treatment)
 
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Lola Ballinger in the death of Harold late Wednesday evening. Funeral services will be under the direction of Agent Funeral Home in Sallisaw. Arrangements are incomplete at this writing.
 
Amanda (Washburn) Edwards requests prayers for her husband and his family (Edwards Family) in the death of his grandfather, Mr. Hougan.
 
**Prayer Pagers**
A 441-1648 (unassigned)
B 441-1734 Jane McGowan
C 441-2290 Audra Bocksnick
D 441-2344 Sharon Barker
E 441-2591 John & Melody Priester
F 441-2593 Duane Walker
G 441-6639 Anita Maxwell
H 784-7490 Lola Ballinger
I 441-1791 Jeana Belote
J 441-1792 Amanda Daws
K 441-2388 West-Ark Elders (group)
Pagers A-J as a group: 441-2395                                   
 
**Military in Prayer**
Mitchell Bryant, Shane L. Newton, Adam Morrissun, Alan Todd, and Charlie Remaley.
 
**Missionaries in Prayer**
• Thomas Kweekul in Thailand.
• John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France.
• Our missionaries in Laos and Vietnam.
 
**New Member**
Trina Breivogel
5022 N. Speer Street
Fort Smith, AR 72904
Trina was baptized recently by Jack Lewis. We welcome her to our fellowship! Trina has four children who have been a part of West-Ark for several years:  Allicen & Austin Sawyer, Andrew & Adam Breivogel.
 
**Family Update**
Dear West-Ark Friends,
It has been fun going to our mailbox this week. There have been cards and notes nearly every day. I took them to John Paul who was much encouraged by hearing from you.  Thank you so very much!  Thursday (3/16) John Paul was moved to Valmante Cardiac Rehab.  Valmante is about 5 miles from our apartment … getting back and forth is so much easier now.  He should come home about the 24th if things continue to go well. While thanking you for your prayers, e-mails, and cards, I want to also express my gratitude to people over here.  Teachers in the Chrétiens en Mission Bible School and other busy people from church who didn't really have the time, came anyway and took me to visit John Paul.  At first I could not go on public transportation because of my ankle injury. A taxi would have been 76 euros or about 80 dollars roundtrip!! God has truly blessed us on both sides of the Atlantic! John Paul is doing well, my ankle is better so I can care for him when he comes home, hopefully this week.
In Christian love,
John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley
Via e-mail 3/19/06
 
**New Address**
LaReeca Herndon
2313 N. W. 57th
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
LaReeca has moved to Oklahoma and recently became a grandmother! Rob and Rachel (Herndon) McKinzie have a new baby girl, Addison Rae Ella.
 
**Baby Shower**
A baby shower is planned for Kim Bice and baby daughter Harper on Sunday, April 2, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Annex. Kim is registered at Toys ‘R Us.
 
**Car Clinic**
Our April Car Clinic is Saturday, the 1st from 8 to 11 a.m. (weather permitting).
 
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**Widows/Widowers**
We will eat a quick sack lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Annex and then board the buses for our annual trip to Parks Brothers Nursery. Come and eat lunch even if you don't go to look at the flowers.  Call Mary, Bobbie or Janice if you need transportation to the Annex.
 
**LTC Schedule for March 26**
• 3:00 Sr. High Chorus
• 4:00 Sr. High Bible Bowl
• 5:00 Sr. High Drama
• 5:00 Elementary Puppets
• 6:00 Elementary Drama
 
**LTC Rehearsals**
There will be rehearsals for all performance groups (chorus, puppets, and drama) on Friday, April 7. It will last from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided!
 
**LTC Art**
All Art must be turned in to Shanna Davis by Sunday, April 2nd. If you need criteria sheets they are on the LTC table in the foyer.
 
**Wedding Anniversary**
Congratulations to Russell & Theresa Wieser
on their 60th Wedding Anniversary, March 30, 2006!
 
**FLC Code to Be Changed**
Friday, March 31, all codes for the FLC outside keypad entrance will be changed. Please see Lynn Dickey if you need to schedule the FLC.
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
March 23
Jess Huff
 
March 24
David Dickey
 
March 25
Deja Henry
Wilma Son
Larry Treat
 
March 26
Mike Burk
Larry Prater
 
March 27
Landry Dockery
Helen Pratt
Hannah Pressley
 
March 28
Tammy Keller
Glenda Lewis
Melissa Myers
 
March 29
Hope Evans
 
March 30
Taylor Anders
Alyssia Beneux
 
March 31
Chuck Combs
Harold Gouty
Lauren Hankins
Kenny Hollomon
 
April 1
Kelli Coggins
 
**Tell others you meet about our Community Outreach Day**
Where: The Hope Chest (a ministry of West-Ark Church of Christ)
717 North 4th & H Streets, Fort Smith, AR
Phones: 784-9715 or 452-1240
 
When? Saturday, April 1, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
 
FREE hot dogs and cokes.
All clothing absolutely free! No limits!
 
**More Coming Events**
 
Ladies’ Day
Poteau Church of Christ
Saturday, April 1
Registration/coffee/rolls: 8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Wear your favorite hat!
 
Gospel Meeting
Rena Road Church of Christ
April 3-5
Singing: 6:30 p.m.
Worship: 7:00 p.m.
 
**Faith Comes By Hearing**
Week10; Days 64-70
The complete 90-day schedule is online at http://www.westark.org/library/schedule.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
In the blink of an eye, Spring has arrived…or has it? Did you have your shorts and tank tops pulled out yet? Well, not too fast…Old Man Winter seems to be giving us at least one more reminder of his presence.
 
While it does seem like just yesterday that we were all making our New Year’s resolutions, reality says that April Fool’s Day is staring us straight in the face. But before March flies on out the door, you might want to take advantage of a great opportunity for your family that’s right next door to you.
 
This weekend, March 23-25, the Tulsa Workshop will be taking place at the Tulsa Fair Grounds. So you can go enjoy the fellowship of thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ who are gathered together for fellowship, study and worship.
 
There will be various singing groups like Watershed Worship, Acapella, and Free Indeed. There will also be dozens of speakers/teachers Lynn Anderson, Randy Harris, Rick Atchley, Marvin Phillips, Jeff Walling, Mike Cope and many others.
 
On Friday evening during the worship time, Max Lucado will be speaking. It’s not too late - take the opportunity and make a trip to Tulsa. You’ll be glad you did!
 
And coming soon…two great weekends for West-Ark families: April 14th-15th – Leadership Training for Christ in Tulsa and Harding University Spring Sing. Make plans now to take part in one of these events!
 
**A.M. Nursery**
Berniece Rogers
Sharon Faries
Kristin Smith
Donna Roper
 
**P.M. Nursery**
Angela Dunavant
Denise Lusby
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 600
Bible Classes  406
Sunday Evening 264
 Wednesday Evening 344
Contribution   $17,372
Children’s Home $188
Laotian Attendance 26
Laotian Contribution $134
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance 39
Contribution $222
 
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax  (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
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"Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others."
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