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Family Lines Newsletter, March 1, 2007
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**Would You Like to “Be God For a Day”?**
By David Chadwell
 
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”  (Romans 11:33-35)
 
I merely wish to suggest being God is not nearly as simple as most people think it is.  Christians (and many who reject God) conclude being God should be simple—especially if you possess His power and ability to order things be done.  Really?
 
Wonder how many prayers God receives from all over the world in a 24 hour period?  If those prayers were divided into requests, appreciation, and angry indictments, wonder what the percentages would be?  Wonder if requests far exceed appreciation?
 
Wonder how often God acts powerfully, and no one sees it (Jesus’ crucifixion?)?  Wonder how often God succeeds incredibly, and people wonder, “What good is that (Jesus’ resurrection?)?”  Wonder how often God gives a remarkable gift (forgiveness) and people are disappointed (Mark 2:1-12)?  Wonder how often a person dismisses God’s act because it does not meet his/her expectation (Habakkuk 1)?  Wonder how often God’s acts are dismissed because we conclude, “God would not do that in that way!”
 
Wonder how often devout people plead with God to use His power in a specified way, while equally devout people plead with God to use His power in an opposite specified way?  In such situations, to say, “Yes” to a believer or a group of believers is to say “No” to another believer or group of believers.
 
Can God use human death, sacrifice, or failure to achieve His purposes?  Can He use my death, sacrifice, or failure to achieve His purposes?  Are His purposes dependent on our material prosperity?  Is faith the result of an adversity-free life or a life of adversity?  Is my trust in God dependent on/reflected in success or adversity?
 
“Thank you, God, for being God all the time!  Thank you for not making us dependent on our own wisdom!  You love us when we do not know how to love.  You have mercy on us when You should be angry with us.  You forgive us when You have the right to destroy us.  You endure our lack of vision.  You do not disown us when we substitute our emotional desires for Your eternal intents.  You are patient with us when we are arrogant with You.
 
“In all matters You are just, even though we do not see Your justice.  When we are blinded by our own emotions and ambitions, You see honestly.  You can take Satan’s worst efforts against us, and You can use those efforts for our salvation.
 
“Lord, we are not incredible, but You are.  You are never encompassed by our knowledge, but You know us inside out.  May we never forget that You never depend on us, but we always depend on You.  Thank you for being our God!”
 
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**In Our Thoughts and Prayers**
• Kay Cole is in Room 220C at Health South Rehab.
• Bonnie Marrs is improving! You may send cards to Bonnie in care of her daughter, Brenda Shelly, 3705 Southridge Estates, Fort Smith, AR 72916.
• Coleen Shirley is recovering at home from her surgery. Cards and calls are welcomed!
• Harry Smith (Barbara’s husband)
• Patty Kaiser (chemotherapy treatments).
• Starr Pistole had her 4th chemotherapy treatment this week. She is very thankful for your prayers!
 
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Don Neisler in the death of his brother, R. B. Neisler. R. B. was also the uncle of Karen Carter and Louise Hamilton. Funeral services are Thursday (3/1/07) in Arlington, TX.
 
**Prayer Pagers**
• Coleen Shirley, 441-2379
• Harry Smith, 441-2384
• John Richards, 441-2378
• Patty Kaiser, 441-2387
• 441-2395 – Will notify all that prayer has been offered.
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear "Golden Retreaters,"
Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend. The beautiful artwork you gave me describes YOU so much -- full of love, joy, kindness, goodness, and gentleness.  I still think some of you could work on "self control" ... ha! Your kind notes and comments have meant so much to me, and you will always have a "place in my heart."
 In Him,
 Linda Smith
 
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Thank you so very much for the support, visits, calls, and most of all, your prayers. I felt the strength from them that was needed so at this time. Harry appreciates the prayer pager, it meant so much every time it went off – gave us a great feeling that someone was praying for us.
 In Christian love,
 Barbara Smith
 
Dear Christian Family,
Thank you for your donation to the North Street Building Fund. We also appreciate your love and concern shown to Lance during his recent illness.
 In Christian love,
 Larene Haines & Family

**Blessed Event**
Emily Lynn Herndon was born February 20 to Michael & Janna Herndon. Emily weighed 5 lbs., 3 ozs. and was 19 ¼ inches long.  Michael and the very happy grandmother, LaReeca Herndon, are former West-Ark members. Congratulations to all!
 
**From The Hope Chest**
Thanks so much for the unbelievable number of items contributed in response to our plea on Sunday for infant's clothing and underwear and socks for adults.  The container in the foyer was overflowing. Your extraordinary generosity will enable this ministry to serve many in the community. 
 
These items are ongoing needs of the Hope Chest, and we would appreciate it if you would, at your convenience, continue to contribute those through the year.
 
Remember the Hope Chest when you discard things from your closets and cabinets. Those things can most likely be used by someone we serve.  Towels, washcloths, sheets and blankets are always in demand.  The container in the foyer is for your convenience, but we welcome you to bring your items to the Hope Chest during hours of operation - 9:30 - 2:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, each week, and on the third Saturday of the month from 11:30 - 1:30. 
 
Additional workers are needed, especially for Thursday.  If you can volunteer, contact any member of the committee - Farrell Graves, Genneil Nye, Jeannie Cole, Linda Davis, Sheila Vaught, Kathy Rosalez, Ron & Betty Moreton, Jim & Helen Pratt.
 
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**Sunday Morning, March 4**
Dedication of Elders
• Ron Belote
• Russ McConnell
• Larry Todd
• Jim Wilson
 
**Guyana Team 2007**
Only 24 have joined our 2007 Guyana Medical Mission Team.  We would love to take several more Bible teachers or health care workers.  Please contact Michael or Jeannie Cole real soon if you can go with us on June 2-10.
 
**Guyana Mission Art Project**
If you are interested in purchasing an original (5 x 7), framed watercolor of an "old mailbox on a post" with your family or someone's name on it, then e-mail J. Lankford (painter) or Matt Griffin (framer) to put in an order. Because of time, it will be on a first-contact basis. Allow some weeks for delivery. Payment should be made by check to "West-Ark Church of Christ" for the "Guyana Mission Trip" fund to help people from here go there. The amount of the donation is up to you.
John Lankford, chembodad [at] yahoo.com
Mat Griffin, matgriffin2 [at] cox.net
 
**LTC Rehearsals,  March 4**
4:00 Elementary Signing
 High School Quiz Bowl
5:00 Elementary Drama
 Junior High Puppets
 Secondary Chorus
5:30 Senior High Puppets
6:00 Elementary Chorus
 
**Widows/Widowers**
Saturday, March 3, we will be hosted by the Mitch Harper family.  Vans will leave the Annex at 11:30 AM.  If you need transportation to the Annex call Bobbie, Mary, or Janice.  Please join us for a wonderful time of sharing, support and fellowship.
 
**Car Clinic**
Weather permitting, CAR CLINIC will be held at the Annex Saturday, March 3 from 8 to 11 AM.  This is open to single ladies and 60+.  The men will change oil (bring your oil & filter), rotate and air tires, change air filters (bring your replacement), and do other minor maintenance.
 
**Church Keys at Home?**
Please check your key racks, wallets, and purses at home for keys to church vans and doors.  We have lots of keys out that need to be returned.
 
******Coming Events******
 
**Tulsa International Soul Winning Workshop**
March 22-24, 2007
Expo Square (The Tulsa Fairgrounds)
 
**Ladies’ Day at Alma Church of Christ**
Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8:30 (registration and refreshments)
Lunch will be served.
Guest Speaker is Pamela O’Neal from Ridgetop, TN.
Her topics will be themed around quilts and patterns.
• “You Will Never Again Look at Quilts in the Same Way”
• “Patterns for Christian Living”
To register, please call
(479) 632-2659 or (479) 670-2859
 
**VBS at West-Ark is June 18-21!**
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
Winter Retreat ’07 is March 2 – 4
Leave Friday at 5 p.m.
Return Sunday by 12 p.m.
Bring: sleeping bag or sheets, pillow, towels, flashlight, Bible, notebook, and warm clothes
 
“The Good Shepherd” -- John 10
 
Friday Night
“Decisions, Decisions…Who Do You Trust?”
 
Saturday Morning
“So Many Voices…Who is Calling Out To You?” (John 10:3-5)
 
Saturday Afternoon
“So Many Choices…Who are You Following?” (John 10:6-10)
 
Saturday Night
“You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide…or Can You? (John 10:11-13)
 
Sunday Morning
“The Good Shepherd …Offers Real Life” (John 10:27-30)
 
**Serving at the Lord's Table for March**
Harold Binyon
John Carson
Bob Davidson
Adam Davis
Lyndell Foster
Mat Griffin
Charles Hankins
Randy Hankins
Marvin Hughes
Rodney Jones
Charles Karr
Tom King
John Lingren
Jack Lowry
Travis McDonald
Brad Moore
Eugene Puckett
Kevin Vaught
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
March 4
Hunter Hesslen
 
March 5
Norman Cole
Vivian Flood
Stephen Jennemann
Ashleigh Miller
 
March 6
Netsy Lynn
Charlotte Reagan
 
March 7
Peggy Pistole
 
March 8
Amy Burkhart
Marlene Tucker
Sondra Wiggins
 
March 9
Mary Francis Jackson
“T” Kolb
Larry Roper
Ann Selig
 
March 10
Joyce Chadwell
Donna Lindgren
 
**Morning Nursery**
Dena Jenkins
Suzi Jennemann
Melissa Walker
 
**Evening Nursery**
Gina Williams
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 599
Sunday PM Worship 351
Bible Classes  396
Contribution   $16,921
Children’s Home $308
 
Lao Worship
Attendance 32
Contribution $162
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance 45
Contribution $219
 
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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