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Family Lines Newsletter, July 3, 2008
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**It Doesn’t Know It’s Broken**
By David Chadwell
 
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  (Matthew 11:28-30)
 
Since I learned a few years ago that continual exposure to bright sunlight was, in many instances, a contributing factor to developing cataracts, I have worn a set of clip-on sunglasses.  It was an easy transition to make—bright sunlight hurt my eyes, and I did not enjoy squinting.  (Squinting can make you look angry.)
 
The other afternoon as usual, I reached into my shirt pocket, pulled out my sunglasses, stretched them to pop them on my regular glasses, and the sunglasses promptly broke!  (Not a lens but the “bridge.”)  At first I was just plain startled—something I did hundreds of times without thinking did not work! (That is NOT supposed to happen!)  After my bewilderment ended, I examined the situation to determine what was wrong.  Though I had carried these clip-ons for years, I quickly concluded the sunglasses were broken beyond repair, put them in a cup holder, and drove away.  That pair of sunglasses have been in that cup holder many times—they don’t even know they are broken!
 
I have spent my life working with people.  Through those years, I have heard about many situations.  A common thread in different circumstances caught my attention years ago.  Often, in differing situations, a person was mystified because he or she encountered consequences as a result of a decision.  It was as though the situation was 100% something or someone else’s fault, and the person enduring the “problem” was 100% innocent.  “Why me?   I am responsible for nothing!  None of this is my fault!”  There was no awareness that “I am broken and need healing!”
 
The ability of the resurrected Jesus to heal us inwardly is beyond exaggeration!  I regard Jesus’ above statement as being his great invitation.  Jesus offered rest to those who were burdened under destructive loads.  He did not expect the impossible—he was and is not into “crushing” us.  However, he is into our developing his servant heart.  It is not the promise that we will have all our physical desires—it is the promise that we will find a restful direction for our lives.  We would exchange slavery for commitment!
 
What is the difference between slavery and commitment?  If we are looking for freedom from all responsibility, that will not and can not happen.  In slavery, a person is used because he or she is property.  In commitment, a person knows the values and the price of being free.  In the first, there is exploitation inflicted by another; in the second, there is personal direction and purpose.  The first inflicts regardless of our personal motive.  The second surrenders because of our personal motive.
 
Shh—my sunglasses do not know they are broken!  Do you know you are broken?  Have you allowed Jesus to give you rest?
 
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**Remember in Prayer**
• Chuma Ikeorha is a Harding University student from Aba, Nigeria. Chuma has suffered a ruptured appendix, is hospitalized in Searcy, and is very ill.  Chuma’s father is a medical doctor who formerly worked at Nigerian Christian Hospital and his mother is a High Court Judge, and both are very good friends to Nigerian Christian Hospital.
• Frances Threet (a former member) is in St. Edward Hospital, Room 4314. She would enjoy visits.
• Graham Coffelt (son of Bill & Marilyn) broke his finger while on vacation last week.  He had surgery Wednesday to repair his finger.
• Harry Smith is having tests for the next two weeks.  Barbara asks that we keep him in our prayers during this time. He will go to his doctor in three weeks for test results.
• Jerry Aldridge is at St. Edward Hospital, room 5408, and is making good progress.  He was able to leave his room in a wheelchair starting Tuesday -- Barbara says this really brightens his day! Due to a demanding rehab schedule, please keep visits short.
• Lance Haines had back surgery yesterday at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.  Everything went very well in the 11 1/2 hour surgery. Lance will be in ICU for 3 days, and in a regular room for 9 days.  His mother, Lerene, is very thankful for all your prayers!
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Frances Quenin
• Inez Hatfield
• Joel & Bertie Prigge (Louise Howard’s brother-in-law and sister)
• John Davis (Harold’s brother)
• Lloyd Priester (Jim’s father)
• Louise Cline
• Melissa Meeker (Jeff Loftin’s niece)
• Randy Bridges (minister at Washburn and area educator)
• Margaret Stone
• Patty Kaiser
• Tom Drane
• Wilma Son
 
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Ruth Gouty in the death of her brother-in-law, Claud Barrett, last night in West Plains, Missouri. 
 
**Military Prayer List**
• James & Megan Johnson
• Jered Goddard
• Jeremy Grist
• John Clark
• John Lemley
• Lance Hurst
• Michael Priester
• Mitchell Bryant
• Ryan Almond
• Will Domer
 
**Prayer Pagers**
Jessica Frost, 441-2386
Family of Ashton Stein,  784-7490
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear Ones:
About 2 1/2 years ago you accepted this “northerner” into your Christian family here and you have loved and cared for me since. Thank you for that and thank you especially for the love, concern, and care you have given me during and after my recent surgery.
What a blessing Y’ALL have been to me.
 I love you!
 Jean McConnell
 
Dear West-Ark Family:
Words cannot express our gratitude for every card, call, and prayer these past months during our family surgeries, sickness and death.  Your compassion has been a source of comfort during this difficult time. You’re a blessing!  Please accept our heartfelt thanks.
 In Him,
 Wilburn & Louise Howard
 
**Missionaries in Prayer**
Our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in  France and Belgium.
Evangelists and their families with whom we work in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
 
**Change of Address**
Mary “T” Kolb has moved to The Maples Nursing Home, Har-Ber Meadows, 6456 Lynch’s Prairie Cove, Springdale, AR 72762. Cards from friends would be greatly appreciated.
 
**Announcement & “Thanks!”**
Watch for a possible change in the class schedule for Wednesday night, July 16.  The air conditioning units in the main building are due to be “off-line” that week for repair/replacement. 
 
Our building will be 25-years-old this fall!  Thank you, Stan Burkhart, for the many years you have worked to keep our aging AC system up and running!
 
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**Counseling Opportunity**
The counseling opportunity is provided to grant struggling people additional tools to use to address struggles.  It exists (a) to address needs in all ages and (b) to permit women to go to women counselors if they choose. It is primarily for West-Ark members and their immediate families.  Appointments are available on Mondays during the day and in the early evening on the hour. Appointments should be made the week prior.  It is in the form of guidance in keeping with biblical, Christian principles.  The cost, by special arrangement with the West-Ark congregation, is $35 an hour with the congregation paying $25 of the cost.  Confidentiality is preserved.  To arrange an appointment, call David Chadwell at the West-Ark office, 452-1240.
 
**Alliance  Counseling and Therapy**
“Working together to help individuals and families resolve life’s challenges.”
 
Objectives:
To offer faith-based support services.
Emphasize solution and growth-focused approaches to therapy.
To help people address immediate problems while equipping them with the skills to resolve future challenges.
 
Populations Served:
•  Children
•  Adolescents
•  Adults
 
Services Provided:
• Pre-Marital Therapy
• Marital Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Individual Sessions
• Addictive Behaviors
• Groups
• Enrichment
• Education
 
Focusing on emotional, relational, behavioral, addictive, and parenting issues.
 
ACT Counseling Interns:
Temple Carson
Gary Green
Jennie Killion
 
If interested, call David Chadwell at 452-1240.
Confidentiality will be protected.
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**Summer Series -- Sunday PM Speakers for July**
July 6 -- Jim Wilson
July 13 -- Jim Wilson and Michael Cole
July 20 -- Larry Bridges (preacher for Dayton Church of Christ)
July 27 -- Larry Mitchell (preacher for Booneville Church of Christ)
 
**JOY Bunch Outing**
The July JOY Bunch meeting will be a summer outing to the Arnolds’ cabin in the woods near Mountainburg.  Transportation and all the food and drinks will be provided so you will not need to bring anything, but it will be necessary for you to sign up if you plan to attend.  We will leave from the Family Life Center parking lot at 4 PM on Saturday July 19; we expect to have you back to Fort Smith around 8 PM.  To sign up, please contact Diane or Jim Arnold, Danna or Winston Turpin, or Carolyn or Charles Hankins no later than Thursday, July 17 -- or put your name on the sign-up sheet that is posted in the church foyer.
 
**Recycling Plastic Bags**
The Hope Chest thanks everyone for the good response -- their need for plastic bags has been met! BUT, students at Cook Elementary are collecting plastic bags for a recycling program. Recycled bags are made into outdoor decking, decorative tiles, new bags, and more. Cook Elementary’s green recycling box is outside the library.
 
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**youth group // news**
 
Summer Activities
Summer activities are on the way. Be sure to pick up a calendar on the youth table in the foyer. More details about the events will be given later.
 
JULY:
• Sunday 13th – Gospel Skate Day, College/Youth Day and Devo                  
  $1 Admission, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
• Saturday 19th – All American Paintball
 
AUGUST:
• Friday 1st – The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (movie)
• Saturday 2nd – Devil’s Den with Pleasant Valley
• Friday 8-9th – End of Summer Lock-In
 
Note: Every Thursday there will be an opportunity to help with the Crisis Center. More details to come.
 
Girls Impact Group (9th-12th girls) will be meeting every Thursday to do service projects in the community.  Contact Natalie Hughes for more information.
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**Library Memorials**
In memory of Mildred Lawman from Inez Hatfield
• Paul Meets Muhammad by Licona
 
In memory of Marceil Stevens from Margaret Thompson
• Signs of Life by Jeremiah
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
July 7
Kristy Abernathy
Amanda Robison
 
July 10
Martha Walker
 
July 11
Seth Kleman
Rachel Robbins
Aline Story
 
July 12
K J Speaks
 
**Morning Nursery**
Dena Jenkins
Suzie Jennemann
Melissa Walker
 
**Evening Nursery**
Gina Williams
Tammy Cypert
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship…….568
Sunday PM Worship……..NC
Bible Classes…………….375   
Contribution………….$14,977
Children’s Homes....……$247
Wednesday Classes……..197
 
Lao Worship
Attendance…………….….34
Contribution…………….$230
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance………………...50
Contribution……………..$237
 

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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