Soul Food

Prayer Request

2010-08-26T09:45:00.002-05:00

Please remember Bro. Clint, Patty, and all the Richardson and Marshall families due to the loss of Effie Marshall (Clint's sister)....
More information will be posted when it becomes available.
Effie was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed..

Service Announcement

2010-08-17T01:07:00.002-05:00

Arrangements for Evelyn's Mom, Faye Ferguson have been made and are as follow;

Visitation will be held from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, Tuesday evening.
The service will be held Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with interment to follow in the Simpson Campground Cemetery in Woden.

New Prayer Request

2010-08-15T07:47:00.003-05:00

Please remember Sister Evelyn Dunlap and her family this morning...her Mom passed away a few minutes ago.

Crisis of Belief

2010-08-12T01:47:00.000-05:00

Get up! Go to the great city of Ninevah and preach the message that I tell you. Jonah 3:2

Jonah carried out God's call to preach with reluctance. He preached 5 Hebrew words. Then he waited to make sure that God destroyed Ninevah as He promised, fearful that God would give the enemy a second chance.
Crisis of belief calls for full commitment to the task, not a commitment based on fear of the consequences but on dedication to God and His work.

(from Lifeway devotionals)

Prayer Requests and Updates

2010-08-03T01:05:00.002-05:00

We are thankful to pass along the good news of Margaret Fields surgery!
It was successful and she is doing well although in some pain. Please continue to pray for her and George during this healing process.

We are also thankful for a good report on Bro. Woody Oliver, he should be released soon!

Please continue to pray for Sis. Ruth and Bro. Leonard, they have several appointments this week and Sis. Ruth is still having some health problems.

We are looking forward to resuming our Wednesday services this week!
We know there are several who can't get out in this heat wave we are experiencing and we understand that.

We are so thankful for the power of prayer! Thank you for being prayer warriors with us. Make your petitions known to God and He will hear and answer! What a wonderful thing we can do for someone when we intercede on their behalf and it strengthens us as well.

Prayer Requests

2010-07-30T09:22:00.002-05:00

We have several new prayer requests;

Margaret Fields is having back surgery on Monday in Nacogdoches. Please pray for her and the medical staff as they attend to her needs. Also for George and the family as they wait and as they assist her during her recovery.

James Woody Oliver has been having problems and may be facing another hip replacement. Please pray for God's guiding hand on that family as well.

Suzettes's friend Sheryl is undergoing tests and may have breast cancer. Please pray for her and her family at this time.

Our friend Gene Shoemaker has a 99% blockage in an artery in his neck. Please pray for him and his family during this time of tests and possible surgery.

Please continue to pray for those mentioned in our services and listed in our bulletin.
We know that God is still on the throne! Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world!!!

Luke 18:1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, an not give up.

We Become What We Say

2010-06-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. Proverbs 15:12
Why is the tongue so important? Because the expression of thing deepens the impression.
A word uttered becomes a word made flesh - in us. We become the incarnation of of what we express, Jesus said "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned" Matthew 12:37.
After I saw that a person becomes what he says, I have looked at this verse in a different light. If you tell a lie, you become a lie. The deepest punishment of a lie is to be the one who tells the lie. That person has to live with someone he can not trust.
Now look at this from the opposite perspective. When we express good things, positive things, loving things, scriptural things, these things go deeper into us. Clear expression deepens impression.
If it is true that we become the incarnation of what we say, and I believe it is, how careful we ought to be to ensure what we say is guarded and governed by truth, integrity, and kindness. Always remember every word you utter becomes flesh in you.

(lifeway devotional courtesy of Everyday with Jesus)

Cling to the Lord by dst

2010-05-27T08:13:00.007-05:00

Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 34:15,17 "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." "The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

When it seems like the whole world is against you, when you have made so many mistakes you are scared to try anything else, when you feel you can't take another step without collapsing...Ok, maybe your situation isn't that bad! Perhaps you are depressed, maybe you made a mistake and now you are suffering the consequences, maybe you have an important decision to make and you just don't know what to do. Perhaps you have found yourself in a bad situation and you just don't know how to get out of it. REACH OUT TO THE LORD and PRAY!

Remember to have faith and hope in the Lord. He will pull you through, it may not happen immediately but continue to cling to Him and He WILL answer your prayers.

Updates

2010-05-18T22:12:00.003-05:00

We are thankful to God for the answered prayers. We rely on His promise that He will never leave us or forsake us.
Jaxon has a stomach infection and in his G.I. tract caused by all the antibiotics he has been taking for various infections. He is still a very sick little man and will be home for awhile.
We praise God for the answered prayers and for Kevin arriving safely in time for the appointment. Please continue praying for this family. Stephanie has been off work a lot due to these illnesses.

Bro. Bobby Cheatham is scheduled for heart surgery Wednesday morning please be in prayer for him and his family.

Continue to pray for Jannie as she heals from her surgery and for Bro. M.C. as he heals. He is still having some problems and is using a walker to help him get around.

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Raffle Winner!
Charles Woods "Woody" was the winner of our raffle drawing. Ross met him at Bill's Gun Store this morning and they completed the paperwork for the transfer. Woody is scheduled to meet us at the church to take pictures so that we will have an announcement for the newspaper.

Business meeting was postponed last Wednesday night and will be held this Wednesday.

Please remember all the prayer requests made Sunday and those listed in our bulletin, and also those who have lost loved ones.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2010-05-17T11:04:00.002-05:00

As you know our little man Jaxon has been seriously ill this weekend. Test results have come in and the Dr. would not tell them anything over the telephone. They do have an appointment at 1:30 this afternoon to receive the results. Please be praying for this little family. Kevin is on his way home from Bryan so also pray for him to be protected on his trip as he tries to get to his family quickly and for Stephanie who is trying to be strong as she tries to keep calm as she tends to Jaxon. We all need that peace that passes all our understanding as God's word tells us in Phillipians 4:7. We are relying on our faith, we know that our God is the Master Physician and He is greater than any problems we face. He has promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us.

Aggressive Prayer

2010-05-14T01:14:00.004-05:00

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1

God is not a stingy Father who will only answer our prayers if we badger him. When we pray, we are speaking to a Father who wants to answer our prayers, a Father whose ear is open to what we have to say.

Jesus said "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened unto you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks, finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened." Matt. 7: 7-8.
The Lord's language is unusually compelling in these verses, because of the 3 verbs He uses - ask, seek, knock indicate an ascending intensity.

To ask means to request assistance.
To seek means to ask but includes action.
To knock means to ask plus action plus persevering.

Sometimes you have to step it up and get aggressive in prayer. You are not insulting God when you pray according to His will.
This is pleasing to God. When you ask according to His will, and there is an obstacle in your way, you can either give up or say I am overcoming this obstacle. I am not giving up on this.
Keep asking, Keep seeking, Keep knocking, that is what Jesus is teaching us.
(this is part of a daily devotion I received thru email)

Going Back

2010-04-27T10:01:00.002-05:00

Hosea 12

In this chapter God is reminding Ephraim what He has done for them and is warning him about his deceitful ways and about the people he is trying to influence with his deceit.
Then in verse 8 Ephraim is telling God how rich he has become and how God would find no sin in him, oh but in verse 9 God tells him that He would make him live in tents again.

This study has really been a life application study for me, It reminds me to look back and to see how faithful God has been to me, and it shows me how God will take us back when He is ready to show us how we really are. We sometimes get too self sufficient and do not rely on God as we did in times of trouble and when we were in great need of His presence.

When we step out of God's will for our lives we become involved in other things that are not pleasing to God and become slack in our worship, our offerings, and our witness to others.
When we put other things in our lives and push God aside, these "things" become our idols, because they divide our interests and we feed our need and neglect God's will for us.

God says He will take us back to live in tents. We often tend to forget what God has done for us.
In doing so we may experience troubles in our marriage, other relationships with family or friends, trouble with finances. Does it seem as though we move forward and gain ground and them something will happen that will knock us back and we find ourselves struggling over the same problems over and over again and then there are some new ones thrown in on top of everything?
We can get so focused on being in the "rat race" and having confidence in everything that we have and are hoping to accomplish that we find ourselves moving in a fast forward mode.

In verse 9 God reminds us that He will push the rewind button if our intentions and motives are not in alignment with His.

God has a work to do in each of His children. He has given each one of us a testimony. Let us all be careful to do His calling. It could be only "our" witness to someone, family, friend, or stranger that depends on where they will be spending eternity.
If we continually find ourselves in a "tent" we should search our hearts and see what God wants us to change.
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(this is part of one of my studies for this month, I am posting it because God has taken me back and told me He wants more from this space than just announcements)
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In His Service With Love, Brenda

Prayer Requests

2010-04-21T21:54:00.002-05:00

Please remember the victims for the oil rig explosion in the Gulf, at last report there were 11 missing and 17 injured, also remember their families during this trying time.
Lewis has several friends working on that platform, no word on them yet.
Also remember Lewis and Chrissy, Lewis will be working offshore for 6 weeks.

Thanks for all your prayers and phone calls about Angela. She is going to be fine,
She was weed eating without eye protection and whatever got in her eye caused an allergic reaction.

Also remember the prayer requests from Sunday and tonight.
We are thankful that Edward and Evelyn had a safe round trip to Houston.

Give Praise and Thanks daily!
When Praises go up, His blessings come down!
We have much to be thankful for.

April Already!

2010-04-14T08:13:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful way to begin April! The Lord gave us a beautiful day to celebrate Easter. We had a wonderful service. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

The Lord God has continued to bless our church in a great way!
New members have been added and we are growing according to His will.
This Sunday, the 18th we will be adding another member by Baptism and we are excited to be a part of God's building program.

Please pray for these new members. They will need our not only our prayers but our encouragement and guidance.

We are also thankful for our new Sunday School Class! Please pray for this class and Sis. Evelyn as she leads these young ladies onto the Roman Road for new Christians. The Lord has given her a special talent and insight into the word and she is excited that He gave her this class to share it with.

Change is happening all around us, God is building and growing us, we are seeing many prayers answered and His word is being revealed to us in a new way. His word is alive and His way is perfect. Let us stay prayed up and guard our hearts so that we may protect and be good stewards of all God is blessing us with.

Being a good steward of His Blessings requires that we also take care of His business as a church body. Our business meeting is tonight, and we pray we will be in one accord and will take care of the needs of His church in such a way that it will be pleasing to Him and that what He has blessed us with, will further His Kingdom. We encourage each one to come and participate in this service.
We enjoy the presence of His sweet spirit as we fellowship and pray together.

I encourage you to remember daily in your prayers, the ones who have lost loved ones and the ones who are ill. Even though it may have been months ago, the families are still feeling the absence of their loved ones and are going through many "firsts" without them. We should still comfort them with our prayers, cards, and phone calls.

The Lord has given us another beautiful day to enjoy! Let us rejoice in it and be thankful for each blessing He has bestowed upon us!

In His Service, Your sister in Christ, Brenda.

The Bell Has Arrived!

2010-03-30T20:53:00.002-05:00

Bro. Bobby and Bro. Lewis brought our bell to its new home today.
What an exciting time!
It is in the fellowship hall and yes I did ring it.
It has a spectacular ring!

Update On John Black

2010-03-23T22:16:00.002-05:00

We heard from John's wife tonight. He was taken to surgery at 1 this afternoon. The surgery lasted for 6 hrs. and the doctor feels it was successful.
Praise the Lord! The tumor was larger and more embedded than was anticipated and a lot of resectioning had to be done. His gall bladder and part of his pancreas was removed. Biopsy results should be back by Friday.
John is in intensive care and will be there for about 2 wks.
Thank You for your prayers, please continue to pray for his recovery.
There is still a serious recovery process.

Sister Molly will be having surgery in the morning, please remember her and her family in prayer.

Upcoming Events and Prayer Requests

2010-03-22T22:22:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile will try to get everyone caught up on the latest.

If you missed our services yesterday, you missed a great blessing.

All services were excellent and we were blessed to have returning visitors.

I missed our 5:30 Ladies prayer time last Sunday and I was glad to be back in the "circle" last evening. It just makes my upcoming days easier when I look back and remember the fellowship in all our meetings.

Special Prayer This Week For:

Sister Molly as she goes in for surgery Wednesday morning.

Bro. Ross' brother John will have surgery in Dallas in the morning.

Bro. Kenneth Hanks is having some new health problems and concerns.

Please remember Sis. Ruby she has not been feeling well.
All others mentioned in our service,
and please remember to pray for
each church member and their families, and all who are out of service.

Remember the ones in our community who are lost.

Also, always remember those who are serving our country and providing freedom for us.

Upcoming Events:

Nursing Home Song Ministry;

Tomorrow night at the nursing home in Wells beginning at 6:30 pm

Come and join in the singing and you will be greatly blessed as we share this time with the residents and staff.

Wednesday Night Study;

We will continue our study in the book of Revelation, the study this week will be on Chapter 7. What a wonderful study this is. Don't worry if you have missed some services, we have a master folder with a copy of each study to share with you if you need it and it will keep you up to date on each chapter that has been covered.

This Coming Saturday;

We will have an Easter Egg Hunt for the children at 4pm.

We aploogize for the late afternoon time but it was the only time available for many of us due to the Wells Homecoming Parade at 2pm

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and fellowship.

Also, following the Easter Egg Hunt the Southern Plainsmen will be in concert beginning at 6pm. We will have a time of food and fellowship immediately following their concert.

Please help us get the word out and invite everyone you know to join us and share in this special time of worship in song.

In The Near Future;

We plan to have a special service to be announced later to dedicate our new bell in memory of former members who have gone to be with the Lord.

Bro. Bobby Hawkins and Bro. Joe Smith will be going to pick it up soon and then we will begin construction on our New Bell Tower.

This is going to be a special day for all.

Please pray for each of these events, that above all else God will be glorified, and that each event will strengthen and uplift our faith as we commit ourselves to His Service.

Thursday Updates

2010-03-04T12:47:00.003-06:00

Thank You for your prayers for Suzette, she is doing well.
She is also having some other issues, please continue to pray for her.

Chrissy (Suzette's daughter-in-law) went to the Dr. yesterday and has several different infections, 1 being borderline strep throat.
She is feeling some better today, please pray for a speedy recovery for her as well.

Ross and I worked a fatal accident scene this morning off of Richardson road. A well known mechanic in our community was working on a car and it fell on him. He was killed instantly.
Please pray for the Dugat Family. We counseled with the family when they arrived on scene.
We offered our phone numbers and are ready to do whatever this family needs.

Also remember the family that lost their loved one on Hwy 7 Sunday afternoon in the motorcycle accident.
Everyone on scene including the J.P. said it was the worst one they had ever worked. The family was on scene almost immediately which was very devastating for them.

We have many needs, and are called on often to petition the Lord with requests for others. We should not become weary in well doing.
Our prayers do make a difference in the lives of others and in exercising our own faith and right as a Child of the King.

I will post updates when they become available.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

2010-03-03T10:01:00.002-06:00

Please say a special prayer this morning for Sis. Suzette.
She broke a tooth and is facing root canal and caps.
She is at the dentist now and asking for prayer.

Prayer Request

2010-02-25T22:21:00.002-06:00

We have a new prayer request.
Sis. Patty called this evening with news about her granddaughter, Diana.
Diana had an emergency C-Section this evening and her baby boy was successfully delivered. The cord was wrapped around his neck twice.
Mother and son are doing well, however the baby is several weeks premature and only weighs 3 pounds. Please pray for Diana and her son, he will probably be in the hospital for at least 3 weeks.

Somehow.........

2010-02-19T08:27:00.002-06:00

I have failed to mention and give updates on Br. Kenneth Hanks.
He is doing well following a successful surgery for colon cancer.
Sis. Ruby reported no colostomy bag was needed and we Praise God with them for His hand upon this family.
Please do pray for his recovery and the family.

Update on Surgeries

2010-02-18T11:22:00.002-06:00

We praise God for His hand upon Sis. Evelyn and the success of her surgery.
She is doing well, Bro. Ross was with Bro. Edward and prayed with her while she was in recovery. She is still in the hospital in Nacogdoches.

Update on Sis. Molly.
It has been determined that she will need 2 drs. when she goes into surgery to repair 2 different problems. She is being sent home today to await surgery that has been scheduled for next week. We praise God for the diagnosis and pray for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.

Please continue to pray for these and others who have asked interest in our prayers. Also remember the ones who are mourning, and are beginning a new journey without their loved ones. That list is also growing and they are still much in need of our prayers.

Prayer Requests Update

2010-02-17T08:02:00.002-06:00

Please be in prayer today for Sis. Evelyn who will be having surgery this morning in Nacogdoches.
Also Sis. Molly became ill and was taken to the hospital. She also is having surgery today.
Please remember the ones on our prayer list and those who have lost loved ones.

Thanks from the Temple Family

2010-02-16T10:32:00.003-06:00

Words cannot begin to express our Thanks for the prayers and the delicious food that our church family provided.

Thank you all so much.
Suzette

Sunday Services

2010-02-13T10:11:00.002-06:00

Due to the time frame of services tomorrow, Bro. Ross said we need to start our morning worship 15 minutes earlier.
Our worship services will begin at 10:30 in the morning, so our Sunday School will be dismissed a little earlier than usual.
Also Sunday Evening Services have been cancelled so that we may attend the out of town graveside service for Bro. Jim.

Please be in prayer for all these services and for all who have lost loved ones and the ones who are ill. Please be in prayer for your Pastor today as he prepares the messages God has laid on his heart.

Jim's Home Going

2010-02-12T16:25:00.002-06:00

Our Brother Jim went to his Heavenly Home early this morning.
Our hearts are saddened with the loss of such a dear friend and we continue to pray for the family.
Brother Jim left us a great legacy of faith and a wonderful family to share memories with.

The family would like to thank you for your commitment to the prayers that have been offered up on Bro. Jim's behalf and for the strength they received from your prayers.
Please continue to be in prayer, some hard days and months are still to come.

The visitation will be Saturday Evening from 6 - 8 pm at Carroway Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Sunday afternoon at 2 pm at our church, with graveside services in Ace at 4:30 pm.

Jim

2010-02-12T01:56:00.002-06:00

Just heard a few minutes ago from Suzette, Bro. Jim has passed away.
Please continue to pray for this family. Will post more information when it becomes available.
(posted at 2 am)

Tuesday Update

2010-02-09T08:39:00.002-06:00

I apologize for not updating sooner, there have been so many phone calls I just assumed everyone knows all the new information on Jim.
The dr.s have done all they know to do for him. He is still in a coma and is still in organ failure, and very little brain activity.
Sunday morning the dr said Jim would pass away with in a few minutes of having care removed. But Jim is still under the care of the Great Physician and he is still alive.
Yesterday he was transported back to Lufkin and is in hospice care here.
The Lord is with us and is controlling these events. We praise Him for guiding each step of our lives, no matter our condition.
Please continue to pray for Suzette, Jim's parents and all the children and grandchildren.

In Houston

2010-02-06T21:00:00.002-06:00

We arrived safely in Houston and after checking in at the hotel, went to the hospital.
The hospital will begin removing care at 10 in the morning. Please continue to pray for Jim and the family. Suzette and the family are trusting God for His will, and we have prayed in faith believing that it is not over until God says it is.
Thank You for your prayers.

Update For Friday

2010-02-05T23:07:00.002-06:00

Here is an email I received from Suzette this afternoon.

The neurologist doesn't think that dialysis is going to do any good for Jim. He said that there is just not enough brain activity and if he does live, it would not be a good life
The kidney specialist wants to try dialysis 2 more times, this afternoon and Saturday. If it doesn't work, they want the family to remove care.
Jim is not breathing on his own, so if they take out the breathing tube, he won't last long. If we do this, it will be on Sunday.
At this point, only a miracle will save him. Please continue praying.
Thanks to everyone for all their prayers and thoughts.

Ross also spoke to her on the phone. We are going to Houston in the morning to be with Suzette and the family, and we will stay with them during this time of decision.
Bro. Ryan Bickley will be conducting the Sunday services.
We ask that you be in special prayer for this family at this time of decision.
Also remember us, as we travel to minister with this family.

We will update when more information becomes available.

Update On Jim Feb. 4

2010-02-04T12:29:00.002-06:00

Suzette just called and reported she was on her way back to Houston. The dr is going to start dialysis today, if this does not improve his condition, they said he would probably not wake up. Please be much in prayer today for this procedure to be sucessful, also pray for the family as they wait.

A New Month

2010-02-02T22:26:00.003-06:00

We have begun the second month of the year. Already this year has brought many changes in our lives, and the New Year Celebrations already seem like a distant memory.
As we begin this month we pray it will be less "eventful".

There has not been any change in Jim's condition, Suzette is coming in tomorrow and hopes to be with us in our Wednesday night service.

Evelyn is scheduled for surgery on the 17th of this month, please pray for her and Edward in preparation of this procedure.

Also, Kenneth is scheduled for surgery this month, please pray for the Hanks family.

Please add the churches in our area who are without pastor's, O'Quinn and Pollok Baptist.

There were several requests made Sunday and others are listed in our bulletin.

There is Power In Prayer!

Evening Update

2010-01-29T23:05:00.003-06:00

I talked to Suzette this afternoon, I was waiting on a follow up call before I posted an update. I have not been able to contact her tonight, we left a message with her.
This afternoon she reported Jim was still critical and still in a coma.
Also, he is not a candidate for a transplant at this time, she also said they continue to run numerous tests.
We hope to have an update in the morning before I go to Nacogdoches, if not I will try to have one by 6pm before we go out to the Central Fire Department Banquet.

Romans 8:26-28 Teaches us about finding strength in our weakness.
Dwell on God's word, let it comfort, guide, and calm you as only His Word can.

Arrival In Houston

2010-01-29T10:46:00.002-06:00

The last time I talked to Suzette was at 4:30 this morning.
They arrived safely in at the hospital around 1:30 am and were answering all the questions from the drs. Around 4:30 St. Lukes were beginning their tests and Suzette and Kenna were going to find a hotel.
As you can imagine after all these days and emotions they are exhausted.
Please pray they can rest and get some answers from these tests.

Jim's Transfer

2010-01-28T22:48:00.002-06:00

St. Luke's Hospital in Houston had a bed come available and wanted Jim to be life flighted to them. There was no helicopter available at the time. so he is being transferred by ambulance now. Suzette and the family are also on the way to St. Luke's and will call me when they arrive.
Please pray for them as they travel in this weather.

Evening Update

2010-01-28T21:00:00.003-06:00

Well, Jim is still here and now on life support. He has been going into cardiac arrest and having a lot of swelling in his brain which is causing seizures.
There is a small window now of if ,and when a transplant could take place.
St Luke's in Houston will accept him when his condition stabilizes some and he would be life flighted at that time. Please continue in prayer for this family.

Also, received a message from Barbara asking prayer for Red's sister.
She had a pace maker put in today and only 10% of her heart is working.
She is in a Nacogdoches hospital. Please add her to our growing prayer list.

Update on Bro. Joe. He is doing well and is walking around with the aid of a walker, and will be released soon. We give praises for this answered prayer.

Will add more updates on Jim when there are any changes.

The Lord knows where he is and we believe His Hand is upon him and Suzette.

God's Will Be Done.

Brief Update

2010-01-28T11:15:00.002-06:00

We are on our way to the hospital. Jim is being transferred to Houston to await a liver transplant. We are going to be with the family and have prayer. Please pray for God's protection and healing for Jim and the family.

Prayer Lists - Updates

2010-01-27T19:04:00.003-06:00

It seems like our list is growing by leaps and bounds. There are no surprises for the Lord in the needs and care for His children, and He knows what our needs are more than we know how to ask for them. Please keep that in mind as you open your heart to prayer, and remember we must be thankful in every moment, we are not promised the next one. Your prayers are just as powerful as those prayed by Billy Graham. The power of prayer comes from the one who hears our prayers, not from the one praying. Your prayers are heard and God is with us. Embrace yourself with that thought as you continue to pray for these needs.

Our dear Sis. Suzette called with the results of Bro. Jim's tests. He is in renal and kidney failure, and is being transferred to ICU. He is also being put on a donor list for a liver transplant. He is still unaware of his surroundings and is not responsive. Please pray constantly for this dear couple and their families.

Also, Kenneth Hanks was diagnosed with colon cancer today. Please pray for the Hanks family.

What a privilege we have to ask the Lord for our needs and for the needs of other's. Let us all bend our knees and ask God's grace, mercy, and healing upon our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Wednesday

2010-01-27T08:03:00.002-06:00

I have an update on Kevin Williams this morning, he will have surgery this morning between 9 and 10 am, that is the word from Sis. Ruby.
Please add him and Susie to your prayers this morning.

Update on Jim, Suzette sent me a text saying there was no change and the drs. were ordering an EEG, cat scan, and blood work for today.
She is going to work for awhile and will let us know something as soon as she knows.

I will be in Nacogdoches most of the day and most likely will not be back until church time.
Please be in prayer for these and for the ones mentioned in service and those listed in our bulletin.
Our prayers are working, God is still in control. Our prayers are being answered and God's protection and guidance are upon us.

I just read the Lufkin Daily News on line, there was a horrific wreck out at Moffett last night and 3 were killed. The picture of the wreckage took my breath. The names have not been released but the Lord knows who they are.
Please pray for those families who lost these loved ones. There lives have changed forever. Just looking at the pictures of this accident is heartbreaking enough, then to know that was your loved ones that were in it.
Give God an extra thank you and praise today for His protection over you and your family.

Evening Update

2010-01-26T21:08:00.002-06:00

Bro. Ross visited with Suzette, he is still the same. The drs. have given his condition a name hepatic encephalopathy. A neurologist has been called in and will do a series of tests, when he thinks it is safe to do so. Sis. Suzette thanks everyone for their prayers and is passing the time by reading the Bible and devotion books I sent her. She is going to work for a few hours tomorrow, if you can't go by the hospital, please give her a call and let her know you are praying for them. She should be in after lunch. They are in room 401.

We also went to check on Joe, he is doing well and was sitting up eating. The dr. said the surgery was a success and we are thankful for his good report. He will be in the hospital a few days and also thanks everyone for their prayers.

While Ross was visiting Suzette, her step-daughter called and said her daughter had broke her arm in 3 places and may require surgery, she is 9 yrs. old. Please add her to your prayer list.
Also, Suzette's neice is pregnant and is being sent to Houston for tests to see if the baby has spina bifida. These families are in a storm and need our prayers.

We received a call today that John, Bro. Ross's brother has a tumor in the tube between his gall bladder and pancreas and is being sent to Baylor in Houston next week. His pancreas is also inflamed. We are especially concerned. because their Mom and Dad both died from pancreatic cancer. We ask that you include John and Linda Black to your prayers.

Please continue in prayer for Laura and family. Patty reports that although Laura has gone back to work she is having a very hard time and is considering moving to another house.

Thank You for being patient waiting for the updates and faithful to our prayer requests.
I have tried several times to post, but have had several phone calls.
We love you all,
Brenda

Tuesday

2010-01-26T11:40:00.003-06:00

A Brief Update:

Suzette called and said Jim's ammonia level is down some and we praise the Lord for that bit of good news.

He is still incoherent and mostly unaware of what is going on.

Bro. Ross will be going to the hospital after lunch and I will have another update later.

I have not been able to get a report on Bro. Joe's surgery that was scheduled for this morning. We will also try to go to Nac. if Bro. Ross is still feeling well after visiting here.

Jannie called back with a report on Kevin, the dr. was able to "set" Kevin's hand in the ER. He is scheduled to follow up with a neurologist to see if surgery will be required.

I will post an update when I receive new information.

Psalms 5:3 In the morning oh Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Afternoon Update

2010-01-25T17:14:00.003-06:00

I have spoken to Suzette recently and she reports there has been no change in Jim's condition. She also said all the fluid that was drawn off Friday is back and Jim's has had to be restrained. Also, he is still unaware of anything going on.

I received a call from Jannie requesting prayer for Kevin Williams (Susie's husband). He was involved in an accident at work and they are at the ER. He broke his hand in 3 places and are awaiting word to see if surgery will be necessary.

Please continue praying and I will update again when I have more information.

Update on Jim

2010-01-25T08:21:00.002-06:00

I just heard from Suzette, Jim's ammonia level is 180 and she reports he has been combative all night.
They are being transferred to room 401 (Memorial).

Please pray for this need.

Monday Update

2010-01-25T07:43:00.002-06:00

Please be in prayer this morning for Jim and Suzette.
Suzette called me about 1:30 this morning, she was waiting on an ambulance to take Jim to the hospital.
Jim has been sick for many weeks, please pray for them.

Also remember Joe Adams, he will be having surgery this week.

There were many requests made in our service yesterday, please remember those.

I will provide updates on Jim when they become available.

As you begin this week, thank God for your health and family, and ask Him what you can do for Him.

News and Updates

2010-01-23T11:02:00.002-06:00

Prayer Updates

Bro. Ross is not feeling well, and of course he has not been to the dr.
I have bought everything Wal-Mart has to fit his symptoms, he has not been awake long enough to tell if they are working.
He did call someone yesterday to fill the pulpit for Sunday, so you know how bad he feels. He only missed 1 Sunday last year (he didn't feel well, but we also had no electricity at the church). Please add him to your prayer list.

Bro. Jim has been to the dr. 2 days this week, on Friday he had more fluid drawn off. He is now awaiting a phone call from Houston for an appointment.
Please continue to pray for Jim, Suzette, and all the family, they have many needs.

Please continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones. Brendan's birthday was this past Tuesday, which makes this especially hard on the family.
I want to encourage you to remember also the heavy financial burden the family incurred for his funeral expenses.
Please pray for this need as well. It is very difficult to deal with the loss of a child and then have the financial burden added to that, then his birthday week the week after his funeral.
If you want to see God at work, look at this family. You will see them wrapped in the arms of the Lord, holding them up, helping them to face each day.
The account at Huntington State Bank is still open, there is still a need. You can also make a donation at the church thru Kim, Barbara Eaves, your pastor, or you can give it directly to Patty,and the deposit will be made for you.
Brendan's family would like to express their love and gratitude for the many ways you have helped them. They love each one and are thankful for each prayer.

We want to remember the others who have lost loved ones in our church family.
Louise, Jannie, Doris, Barbara Eaves, and Bernice. The needs are still great as they continue the path the Lord has planned for them without their soulmates and their children.
God has a plan and will make a way.
He always has, He always will.
Our commitment to Him includes taking care of the needs of these families.

********************************************************

On The Calendar

Next Sunday immediately after the morning service we will have our 5th Sunday Luncheon. This is always a special time of fellowship and good food.

The 5th Sunday Evening Service will also be a wonderful time of praise and testimony. A sign-up sheet will be in the foyer in the morning.
If you want to sing a special, lead a song, read a poem or scripture, or give your testimony this a special time set aside to do that. Stand up for Jesus, be a witness, and thank Him for the blessings you have received.
There will not be another 5th Sunday until May, let's make this a wonderful service of praise.
Ask God what you can do in this service to honor Him and others will be blessed by it also.

We ask you to join us in prayer for all these services and bring someone with you. We ask you to pray for tomorrows service as well, remember Bro. Clint and Sis. Patty as they lead us in hymns of praise with their talents. We may sometimes forget to include the song service in our prayers, it is a special part of our service that prepares our hearts to receive the message.
I know that Bro. Clint and Sis. Patty make it look easy and natural, but their commitment to prayer and practice allows the Lord to work thru them with confidence.

Thank You for being a prayer warrior for other's and for our services.
Please be in prayer for the young man who will bring our messages tomorrow,
I am looking forward to beginning a new week by being in His house to worship and praise Him.

Prayer Request

2010-01-16T09:20:00.002-06:00

The Lord knows these needs more than we know how ask, let's keep praying for these who are in need today. The Lord does hear and answer our prayers, there are many who are hurting and in need of a touch from the Master.

Bro. Jim is home and is experiencing the same problems he had before his hospital stay, he is awaiting an appointment in Houston for follow-up.
Sis. Suzette, Kenna, and several others in their family are not only burdened by concern for Jim but by other ongoing personal problems. Please pray the Lord will give this family comfort and a direction to ease the burden of their constant struggles.

Bro. Joe Adams will be having surgery on the 26th of this month, begin praying now for the success of this procedure.

Bro. Lester Ray is improving, please pray the Lord will continue to heal and guide this family.
The Glaze family have been very faithful and true workers in our church family and we miss each one of them. We pray the Lord will make a way for them to be back in our services.

Remember also the ones who have lost loved ones. There are many in our church family who are in a season of mourning. Your prayers, phone calls, and words of encouragement are important to those who are grieving. Ask the Lord what you can do to help someone in need today.

Please remember the financial burden that Brendan's family is under. The days are slipping off the calendar for their deadline for payment. Honor the memory of Brendan and help this family with your prayers and your donation to the account that has been established at Huntington State Bank in the name of Patty Richardson and Lana Toll. This is one burden we can lift for this family. The Lord will bless you in a special way for helping these who are in need.

Please pray for the people of Haiti and for the ones who are sent there to help. Each day that passes by more people are discovered, families have been devastated, and now violence is breaking out and adding a new level of fear for those suffering. It is hard for us to imagine the magnitude of the loss of life and numbers of those trapped and injured, and to imagine what these people are going through. We have never had to wait for days in the street without water, and medical care, and we have never had to see our streets lined with the bodies of our loved ones.
The people who are delivering aid also need our prayers for strength and guidance.

If you have not already done so, begin now praying for our services tomorrow and for Bro. Ross as he prepares to deliver God's word. We also should pray for the Lord to prepare our hearts to receive what is given and to hide His word in our hearts. The Lord has set aside this time for us to worship Him, to hear His word, and to praise Him for the grace and mercy extended to us. Honor Him by being in His house.

Thank You

2010-01-15T09:30:00.003-06:00

The family of Brendan Patton want to express their appreciation and love that has been shown to them this week. They appreciate the phone calls, the food, the outpouring of love and support, and above all the prayers that have been offered on their behalf.
They have just a few days to pay the funeral home for the wonderful service they provided for Brendan.
If you haven't done so please make a donation to the fund established at Huntington State Bank. The fund is listed in the names of Patty Richardson and Lana Toll, the acct # is 505-554-402. Any amount will be appreciated and will go toward the final expenses incurred.
Please continue to support this family with your prayers and let them know you are still praying for them.

*******Thought For Today********

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap,
but by the seeds you plant.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Facing Difficult Times in Life by st

2010-01-13T13:23:00.009-06:00

It seems like I have been facing difficult times in life for the past year. In the past, I don’t remember facing stress and worry like I am doing at this time in my life. I have always known that the words of Scripture replace anxiety, worry, and fear with the tranquility that comes with the peace of God. But now I am finding that out for myself. In the middle of the night, waking up and worrying, I start thinking about what I can do and what other people are doing, and I start getting mad, stressed, and hurt. I have to remember that I have given the situation to God and I have faith that he is going to prevail. It may not happen the way I want it to or in the time frame I want, but it will happen. Sometimes the only thing I can do is just whisper the name of Jesus over and over.

Psalm 119:165 - Great peace have they which love your law, and nothing shall offend them.
*Fill your heart with God’s word, the Bible, and you will automatically be filling your heart with God’s peace. Nothing can make you stumble if your heart if filled with God’s love and peace.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
* In this world we will have trouble. But in the midst of that trouble, we will find the inward peace of Christ in the very midst of the trouble.
* He gives us the assurance that the troubles will not triumph over us, since Jesus Himself has overcome the world. Therefore, we can take heart and rest in His peace in the very midst of troubles and trials.

2010-01-13T00:17:00.002-06:00

Visitation for Brendan Patton will be tonight (Wednesday) from 5-7.

Funeral service will be Thursday morning at 10 am at the Carroway Chapel.

The family has requested donations be made at Huntington State Bank acct. # 505-554-402 in the name of Patty Richardson or Lana Toll, in lieu of flowers.

Please continue to pray for this family and these services.

Other prayer requests:

Please pray for Jaxon, Stephanie, and Kevin. Jaxon is having some severe problems with his asthma, he has been to the dr. 2 days in a row. Stephanie has been up with him several nights.

Please pray that he will be healed and that they will be able to rest easy.

Also, my mom has pneumonia and has had it for some time but would not go to the dr.

Please pray for healing and rest for her as well.

Bro. Joe Adams also needs our prayers, he is facing surgery next week. Also remember Barbara and the nursing home residents and workers.

Continue to pray for Jim and Suzette, although he is out of the hospital for now, he is still facing tests to determine what is wrong.

Susie asked for prayer for Kelly who is having some dental work done. Yesterday the visit went well and she will go back on Friday. Please continue to pray for her.

Remember the ones who have lost loved ones, there are several in our church family who are still feeling a great loss.

I have a praise report from Sis. Susie, she has asked our church and our prayer circle for prayer for her co-workers. Today the Lord answered that prayer and she was able to share Jesus with them. They have a hunger to know the Lord as their Saviour and were eager to receive the testimony Susie was sharing with them. What a joy it was to talk to Susie and to cry with her over this great event!

We praise the Lord for preparing their hearts to receive His message.

The world is hungry, we need to ask the Lord to give us someone to share His gospel with.

He will make a way and the Holy Spirit will go before us and prepare hearts to receive what is being offered in love.

Update on Jim

2010-01-12T14:44:00.003-06:00

Praise the Lord, Jim is finally going home today! He has cirhossis of the liver and congestive heart failure. The doctors pulled 55 pounds of fluid off of his belly and while in the hospital, he lost a total of 70.6 pounds.

He has to see Dr. Malladi and will be sent to a specialist in Houston to determine what caused the cirhossis and what to do about it.

Please continue praying for him.

Brendan's Service

2010-01-11T16:04:00.003-06:00

The arrangements have been made for Brendan,
Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m.
The service will be Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel
at Carroway Funeral Home, followed by the interment at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

After the interment our church will provide food for the family in our fellowship hall.

Please contact Sister Ruby and let her know about your plans for food.
Our Wednesday Service will be cancelled this week, so we may be with
Brendan's family for the visitation service.

A fund is being set up to help with the cost incurred for funeral expenses.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made at any Huntington State Bank location. The donation can be made in the name of Patty Richardson or Lana Toll, the account number is 505-554-402. Any amount will be accepted with love and thankfulness. and will help to ease the financial burden on this family.

This is going to be a long difficult week for this family, above all else pray
for them. God still answers knee-mail.

Brendan Patton Update

2010-01-10T21:31:00.006-06:00

I regretfully report to you that Brendan passed away before we reached the hospital.

Our hearts are broken for the Richardson and Patton families. We cry with them and share their sorrow. We are reminded at this time that God is aware of each tear and has promised to be with us always.

We share with the family as well as you, that today God is celebrating a homecoming of one of His children. Brendan had constant afflictions that he lived with his in his short life. But thanks to God he now has a whole eternity to enjoy.
He is not bound by a broken body any more, and we praise God for that promise.
God also promised that He would not leave us comfortless, but would send the Holy Spirit to be with us and to guide us.
We claim that promise for the family and friends of Brendan.
Those who have gone through these dark valleys can look back with the utmost assurance and tell you that they found a peace that passes all understanding.
Please pray for these families, not just for today, but also for the coming months.
Brendan was just a small child, but the place he held in our hearts is huge.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2010-01-10T15:48:00.002-06:00

Please begin now praying for Brendan (Clint and Patty's grandson, Laura's son) He is being taken by ambulance to the hospital. He had stopped breathing and had to have an airway put in. Last word was they were administering CPR.
We are on our way to be with the family and to have a prayer with them.
Will update when we have further information.

Evening Update

2010-01-06T20:52:00.002-06:00

Bro. Jim is resting better tonight, he is still in step-down. The drs. are still running tests and there has been some talk of transferring him to Houston.
Please keep Jim and his family in your prayers.

We have not received an update from Doris on her son-in-law, but keep that family in your prayers also.

New Request

2010-01-06T10:04:00.003-06:00

Sister Doris called and asked for special prayer for her son-in-law Dan.
He was taken to the hospital this morning with chest pains.

Please pray with us that God will place His hand upon Dan and the family at this time.

Thank You, for interceding in prayer with us.

Updates

2010-01-06T07:39:00.002-06:00

Just received a report from Suzette that Jim is not doing well and has been moved to Step Down. She will update me when she has more information. Please pray for them.

My dr. visit went well. I also was given meds. to help ease my ear infection and hope to soon be on the mend.

We visited with Patty last night, they made arrived home safely from their trip to Oklahoma and are suffering from the cold, allergy bug that is plaguing many of us at this time.
We are thankful they arrived home safely.

Thank You for being a faithful prayer partner, I will update on Jim when more information becomes available.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T19:28:00.002-06:00

We pray your holidays were filled with many blessings. I think we may have enjoyed the food too much, but it was wonderful to be with our family and to celebrate.

We start off the new year with special prayer requests.

Bro. Jim Temple is still in the hospital, he is feeling some better.
Also please pray for their daughter Kenna and grandson Daniel. They are really going through a storm right now.

I received a letter a couple of weeks ago after I had blood work done, the report is abnormal and I am going back in the morning to get the results.

Please continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones.
This is a particular hard time of year and the empty places in those families are especially noticed at this time of the year.

Continue to pray for our church, we are grateful for each blessing that God has sent us. Praise Him for our new members and pray that He will continue to grow us, according to His will.
We had several children come to Sunday School this week! We are so thankful for that.

Updates on myself and Bro. Jim when we know more.
God Bless You and Your Family.

Devotion

2009-12-23T02:12:00.002-06:00

Emmanuel, God with Us
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us"(Matthew 1:23, AMP)

In the Bible, Jesus has many names that identify His character. One of those names is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Before Jesus came to the earth, the Spirit of God resided in the temple. The people had to go through all sorts of rituals to make them clean enough to go near Him. Now, as believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He is the one who cleanses us and actually makes His home in our hearts.
Isn’t it good to know that God is with us? He is closer than the very air we breathe. His peace is always with us. His joy is always with us. His power is always with us, and His victory is always with us. The next time you feel alone, remember, you serve Emmanuel—the God who is always with you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for choosing to make Your home in me. Thank You for filling me with Your peace and joy. I bless You today, knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ Name."

(I am sharing this devotion from my email. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do: from Joel Osteen)

It's Christmas Week!

2009-12-22T09:35:00.003-06:00

We are just a few days away from Christmas and what a wonderful season to be in.
A time of celebrating our Saviour's miraculous birth.
A time to celebrate with family and friends.
A time to help others who are in need takes on a special meaning in this season.
Let us remember that as children of the King we are called out to be more patient,more loving, more generous with what we have been blessed with, more forgiving, and to extend the mercy and grace that was granted to us.
God has richly blessed us this year, more than we deserve. Let's remember how patient, merciful, and loving He has been to us and extend that to those around us.

As we gather this week in our celebrations, let's remember the ones who have asked for prayer, remember the ones who have lost loved ones and will be celebrating their "first" Christmas without them this year. There are also many who are sick and and going through difficult times, that have asked for prayer.
Stephanie has a prayer request for her family. Her Uncle in Oklahoma committed suicide Sunday night. Please add this family to your prayer requests.
Remember to be thankful for all your blessings and thank God for each member of your family that you still have to celebrate with. There have been many who have left us unexpectedly this year.
Take a time out of the hustle and bustle of this season to spend that time with the Lord.

HE IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

We pray God's Blessings and Protection for each Family this Christmas,
Brenda

Special Prayer Request

2009-12-17T20:42:00.003-06:00

Sister Ruth Cole called this afternoon to request special prayer for their family.
Her husband's brother passed away this morning.
Please add this to your prayer request and remember to lift each request to the Lord daily.

Update

2009-12-13T17:16:00.004-06:00

Another HomeGoing.

We learned this morning that Bro. Billy McMullen had passed away during the night.

We are saddened by the news, and for Sister Louise and the family.

Bro. Billy and Sis. Louise had been married for 66 yrs.

We know heaven is rejoicing, another mansion was made ready, and Bro. Billy will know no more pain and suffering.

Please lift this family up in prayer. The holidays are upon us which makes it even more trying.

Visitation will be Tuesday Morning at 10 a.m. with the service to follow at 11.00.

Both services will be in the church sanctuary. The family has requested no food to be brought to the house. Sis. Louise thinks she is not able to keep up with everything, and we respect her wishes.

Bro. Bobby Edwards is doing much better and was able to attend the church party last night and was also back for service this morning. We praise the Lord for that answered prayer.

Bro. Edward West is home and doing well. So far he has not had to have any pain medicine and is up and walking around. He is however, complaining about not being able to drive for 2 weeks.

Sis. Ruth Cole and family are still battling their illness, please pray for them.

Sis. Evelyn is on the road travelling to be with her sister while she undergoes surgery, please pray for them also.

Let's continue to pray for the families who lost their teenage children in the car accident on FM 58. Also the 10 yr. old boy who was hurt in the 4 wheeler accident several weeks ago. I was able to get an update on him, he is still on life support and in a coma.

Prayer Request

2009-12-10T23:32:00.002-06:00

Please add these to your prayer list.

Bro. Clint called and asked prayer for the young couple that was involved in the accident on Chestnut Dr. this afternoon. The young girl is a friend to their daughter and reports indicated she may not make it through the night. Also the young man was reported to be crushed below his waist. Please remember these and their families and friends.

My mother fell in her yard yesterday and had to call 911 to get her back in the house. Needless to say I have been in Nacogdoches a lot! She is very sore and her ribs and shoulder are hurting.

Bro. Bobby Edwards has been in the hospital. He had to be put to sleep to have his heart shocked back into rhythm. He is doing better. ( more updates later)

Bro West is scheduled to have surgery in the morning.

Bro. Sam Billy is going to be transferred from the hospital to a nursing home.(maybe tomorrow).

I have been out most of the week, will post more updates when I can.

Thank You for being a committed prayer partner.
Your committement to intercessory prayer does make a difference.

News and Updates

2009-12-09T01:47:00.002-06:00

We are already in the second week of December!

Our regular business meeting will be held tonight, come and support this meeting.

Our annual Christmas Party will be held this Saturday beginning at 5pm.
We look forward to a great evening of food and fellowship.
Remember to bring a gift to share!

Please continue praying for each other and for the ones in the hospitals and nursing homes.

Thanksgiving Thankfulness

2009-11-27T11:01:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day and perfect for family gatherings. I know most of us had plenty to eat and plenty of family and friends to visit.

Thanksgiving gives us a chance to think back over the year and be thankful for all the blessings we have received. As you think back, do you remember those bad times that you thought would never end? As I think back, somehow those bad times don't seem as bad now as they were at the time. If we aren't careful and ask God for help, we can find it hard to get past the bad memories and go on to the good memories.

My oldest sister passed away a couple of years ago. She was the mainstay of our family. All holiday celebrations took place at her house. If any of us needed anything, we just called her. She took care of our mother and her husband. Then all of a sudden, she was gone. The family started falling apart. Her husband passed away four months later, their children got mad at each other. Her daughter refused to take any thing from her house, even photos. That made other family members mad and they said that my sister would turn over in her grave if she knew how her daughter was acting. The older children buried their dad next to their mother(married 10 years) instead of my sister (married 30 years) That caused more hard feelings. Some family members wouldn't talk to others, etc.. and this went on for a year or more.

This year things have been better. All of the family will be getting together on Saturday to celebrate Thanksgiving. God has richly blessed each of us, not with wealth, but with health and family and loved ones. We can finally look past the grief and anger at each other and remember that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We have to take each day and live it the best we can and if we mess up, tomorrow is a new day.

Psalm 118:28-29 - Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

As You Give Thanks....

2009-11-25T13:52:00.004-06:00

Please remember the Sterling Family who will be having visitation service for Paige on Thanksgiving evening.
Paige collapsed Monday in front of her 11 yr. old son and could not be revived.

Also remember the ones who have lost loved ones this year.
For many of us this will be our first Thanksgiving without some of our family members.

Give Special Thanks to God for his blessings and for the ones gathered around you.

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING

2009-11-25T13:15:00.005-06:00

BRO. ROSS & BRENDA

(remember no services tonight)

Who We Are In Christ

2009-11-19T11:24:00.003-06:00

My focus lately when I study my Bible has been on different women and the roles they played in the time they lived.
I saw a book or devotion somewhere (I live a hectic life and sometimes I just skim titles) the title was "Are You a Mary or a Martha"...you are one or the other."
That kept coming back to my mind. After I prayed about what God was trying to tell me about, I realized that is a true statement. But, if you classify yourself as one or the other doesn't mean it is true all the time.
Sometimes I am like Martha, I have much to do, many to prepare for, and I am very determined to do it so others will be helped by doing the best that I can do. God has richly blessed me and my family and I feel an urgency to share my blessings, talents, time.

Sometimes I am like Mary, I long to just worship in reading, listening to my favorite music, and just being quiet in my worship. That is my reconnection. If you were experiencing connection problems with your Internet or cable channels......you would call on the provider to intervene and to fix it, and you wouldn't hesitate to do it quickly!
Do we do the same with our spiritual connection?
Do we call upon our God to help us to do the work we are called to do?
Are we really praying what is in our heart, or just skimming over the things we want to hold on to and let it fester and grow until we are disconnected?

Everyone is going through something, we always have, we always will.
We have different seasons in our lives. The seasons also are changing around us.
Look at the different trees and flowers around us. They are divided into different groups where they experience their peak season.Whether it is the biggest bloom, or the the best time to harvest sweet potatoes. The plants are always changing.
But when they are not producing an optimal harvest they are still growing,
silently they stand firm and wait.

Sometimes in our "growing season" we have something happen and we allow it to block our "Sonshine". The Son did not move, we have. We allow ourselves to remain under the cloud, and we begin to whither.

Martha was involved in her preparations for everything to be perfect and it caused her to be chastised. Although she was doing a good thing, she lost her focus.
She was all wrapped up in her "duty" she couldn't see Mary's need to.... just worship.
Even when we are busy, we need to pause and recognize what is going on around us so we don't lose our focus.

Church News & Updates

2009-11-16T11:27:00.004-06:00

Praise Him! The Lord has blessed us with another new member to work and worship with us!
We welcome Wesley McNeely who joined with us by letter.
God is blessing us greatly and is building His church, we Praise Him for each one He has blessed us with.
Please support all these young couples with your prayers and encouragements.
We have prayed for our church and our Sunday School program,
God is answering that prayer!
*****************************************************************
Mid-Week Time Change

Wednesday night services have been set back to 6pm.
The church voted last week to set the time back for winter.

*****************************************************************

Business Meeting This Wednesday Night

We have scheduled our business meeting for this week.
Please be in prayer for this service, this will be our first since Bro. Billy passed away.
Please pray for Kim & Bryan as they have stepped up to fill this position.

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Other Calendar Updates For This Week

Tuesday Night - Wells Nursing Home Ministry - 6pm
Friday - (Bro. Ross is having ANOTHER birthday)
Fifth Sunday Lunch - We will combine our Thanksgiving and 5th Sunday Luncheon on the 29th.
(Bro. Ross is preparing to fast on the 28th)

Fifth Sunday Night Singing and Praising Service -
Come and join us for this special service.
You are welcome to join in with special music,give your testimony, praise report, read your favorite scripture or poem.
This night has been set aside for a special praise time. (More on this next week)

Prayer Requests

2009-11-13T20:31:00.002-06:00

We have several new requests.....

Bro. Sam Billy is in the hospital again, Please continue to pray for him and Sis. Louise.

Bro. Bobby Edwards is also in the hospital, he has been in ICU but is now in a room.

Bro. Jack Oliver is also back in the hospital, every time he sits upright his blood
pressure drops. Also he is still requiring blood infusions.

Amy Westbrook has been rushed back to Houston, the right side of her heart is failing.

Always remember the requests made in church, and the ones listed in our bulletin.

As we go through our day and feel our aches and pains, always be thankful for the health that you do have.
There are many in our church family and community who are struggling each day just to make it through the next hour.

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Pray for Our Soldiers

2009-11-06T09:50:00.002-06:00

Remember to keep all of our soldiers in your prayers. Also remember the family members of the soldiers who were killed at Fort Hood.

Church News

2009-11-02T20:28:00.002-06:00

What a service we had Sunday Morning!

The Lord added 2 to our family!

Gage Gilmore came forward and gave his life to the Lord.
Also his mom Laci Roden joined our church.
We are so blessed they came to work and worship with us.

What a great group of young people the Lord is adding to our church.
With Kim and Joe Brown, Phillip Brown and his daughter, Kevin, Stephanie, and Jaxon.
Laura Patton and family. N'Cole and family.

GOD IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH!

It is our responsibility to help them grow in their faith.
Encourage them and be open to new ideas that they have for our church.
We welcome all and are encouraged by their enthusiasm to work for the Lord.
We are getting a nice group of young children attending regularly and we need to be prepared to involve them also, not only in service but in a youth program.

***Immediately following next Sunday Morning's Service, we will have the Baptism Service for Gage.**

Updates:

Bro. Thomas Windham had further tests which revealed an area of blood "leaking" in one area in his brain.
His wife (Sara) reports they are waiting on his drs. in Houston to transfer him.

Sister Doris will be undergoing surgery on her shoulder in the morning, please add her to your prayer list.

Br. Sam Billy showed a little improvement today, but is still critical.

Bro. Jim is still having some health problems and is having trouble regaining his strength.

Also please pray for the ones standing by those that are ill, and for the ones who have lost loved ones.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS

2009-11-01T00:24:00.001-05:00

Saturday Update

2009-11-01T00:11:00.002-05:00

Laura is home with her new baby girl Avery! We are thankful and rejoicing with the family for the answered prayers.

There are still some very sick people in our midst.
Bro. Sam Billy was readmitted to the hospital yesterday and is in critical condition.
Please pray for him, Louise, and the family.

Bro. Thomas Windham is in ICU tonight with all indications that he has had a stroke.
At times he could not remember Sara's name.
Bro. Thomas is still undergoing diagnostic tests to determine what is going on.
Please add him, his family, and his church family to your prayer list.

Prayer` Request

2009-10-29T03:03:00.002-05:00

Laura is scheduled to have her baby girl delivered by C-section at noon today.
Be in prayer for them as they prepare to welcome Avery.

Bro. Edward Dunlap is scheduled to have a procedure today.

Also. Bro. Jim is still sick and having trouble regaining his strength.

Remember always those who have lost loved ones, the ones mentioned in service, and the ones listed in our bulletin.

Emergency Prayer - Update

2009-10-20T20:34:00.002-05:00

Bro. Ross and I just left the hospital.
Daryl is doing fine. The bullet entered under his jawbone and came out by his nose.
The Lord has his hand upon him.
The CT Scan showed it was just soft tissue damage.
Praise The Lord that he guided that bullet.

What happened -
He was bent over in his back yard feeding his dog when he was shot.
The police and the game warden are investigating.
It happened in Huntington City Limits.
Thank You for your prayers.
Continue to pray for Daryl and family as they all recover from this shocking accident.

EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST

2009-10-20T18:15:00.003-05:00

Susie Williams grandson was accidentally shot today, it just happened. It is the boy (we think it is her grandson) who sits at church between Susie and Irene. As we understand it, he was playing in his yard and someone must have been hunting in the woods and he was shot in the face.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

Pray For All Who Are Grieving.

2009-10-20T09:09:00.003-05:00

Our love and prayers go out to Bro. Ford Adkins this morning.
His wife Katie passed away yesterday. (39 yrs old)

Poem By Mattie Ruth Cole

2009-10-19T18:38:00.000-05:00

Billy's Last Rite

Oct. 18, 2009

Listening to the music, looking at the flowers.

Wondering about God's mighty powers.

In the coffin lies a lifeless body of a good man.

His spirit has now gone to the Promised Land.

He had his time on this earth below,

Making preparations for his time to go.

God beckoned to him many years back.

And he took the invitation to get on God's track.

He was walking with the Lord when we met that day.

And it showed in his face that he was living God's way.

While bowing in Church we could hear his prayer

As he spoke to God, while God was listening there.

Now we won't hear his prayers anymore.

But we have a memory of how it was before.

The humbleness in his quiet voice,

Let us know he had made a good choice.

He had chose to live for God sometimes before.

Never to live the old ways, anymore.

Now his body lies silent alone,

But his soul has gone to his heavenly home.

Though we are saddened by his going,

We are looking for the reaping of his sowing.

And some time in the future, we too, will go away,

But until then we will praise God, and continue to pray.

2009-10-18T18:01:00.000-05:00

Passing Of A Loved One

2009-10-17T23:09:00.001-05:00

(Poem by Mattie Ruth Cole)

Bro. Billy was a well liked man.

He walked holding onto Jesus’ hand.

Always so cheerful and friendly to all.

Yesterday he answered God’s call.

We are all so sad that he was called away.

But we know that he is rejoicing today.

For he has gone to be with our Lord above.

His ticket was paid through Jesus’ love.

Family and friends are grieving today.

Living for the day that we will be called away.

And when we cross that great divide,

He will welcome us to the other side.

I can picture his face in my mind,

The face that was always so kind.

A helping hand he was always ready to lend

I am happy to say that he was our friend.

So thank you, God, for the times we shared,

With Billy Herman, who truly cared.

Be with Jannie and others so dear,

Let them know that You are always near.

Billy's Service

2009-10-16T12:27:00.002-05:00

Arrangements have been made to celebrate Billy's Home going.

Visitation will be Saturday from 6-8 pm at Carroway-Claybar Funeral Home.

(The Mullins Family concert has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.)

Also, all Sunday services are cancelled so we may all be together and minister one to another and with the family.

Lunch with the Herman Family will be served in the Fellowship Hall,
Sunday at 11:00 am.
(everyone is welcome)
Please join us and bring your favorite dish.

The service will be at 2:00 pm at Carroway-Claybar Funeral Home with interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Wells.

Billy's Homecoming

2009-10-15T10:15:00.004-05:00

This is very hard for me to announce.
Bro. Billy peacefully left us this morning.
We know that he is rejoicing in Heaven.

Billy loved the Lord and was dedicated to the church.
There are not enough words to describe what Billy meant to each one of us, nor to describe his commitment to the Lord through his dedication and love for the church.
The love and dedication he gave through his faith strengthened us and his example shows us how important our every action and reaction affects others.

Some of you may not know this, but Billy had not served the Lord until a few years ago.
Once he gave his life to the Lord he set about the Master's work and had a real zeal to always do more.

The bible tells us that to every season there is a purpose.
We must "live" in our season and do the work the Lord leads us to do for our season will also pass quickly.
If Billy had not surrendered his life to the Lord, we would have all missed out on this blessing and legacy he left for us and his family.
This is a call to each of us, don't put off your commitment to the Lord.

The Lord has a time and purpose for each of us.
Our dedication thru study and worship is important.
We must be up and about the Master's business.
Billy had a desire to serve and to help others.
Through his faith, his willingness, and love for each one of us, he has made a difference in our lives. He "lived" his faith.
When I read Matthew 6 this morning, I can see Billy's dedication to the Lord,
We can all use Matthew 6 to ground us and to set our eyes on things above.
We are rejoicing for Billy this morning, yet we are grieving with the family.

6:15 AM - UPDATE

2009-10-15T06:41:00.002-05:00

We received news this morning that Billy's condition has continued to deteriorate thru the night.
He will be taken off the respirator shortly. The family has been waiting on the rest of the grandchildren to arrive.
Be in special prayer for Billy, Jannie and their family today.

Bro. Billy

2009-10-14T22:39:00.002-05:00

Bro. Ross was called back to the hospital at 9:30 tonight.
Bro. Billy is still not doing well and is being moved to ICU.
He has not been breathing well and has had to be intubated.
More updates later if anything changes.

Please continue to lift him and his family up to the Lord.

URGENT PRAYER

2009-10-14T12:46:00.002-05:00

BILLY IS NOT DOING WELL. BRO. ROSS WILL BE AT THE HOSPITAL SOON.
BILLY HAD TO HAVE BLOOD LAST NIGHT AND NOW HIS HEART RATE IS VERY HIGH AND HE HAS SOME OTHER COMPLICATIONS. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY.

UPDATE ON BILLY

2009-10-10T11:08:00.002-05:00

BILLY'S CONDITION IS STABLE NOW. HE WILL BE IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR BILLY, JANNIE AND THE FAMILY.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST

2009-10-10T09:21:00.003-05:00

WE ARE ASKING FOR SPECIAL PRAYER RIGHT NOW FOR BILLY AND JANNIE.
HE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE.
BRO. ROSS IS WITH THEM. I WILL POST UPDATES WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.

Baby Shower

2009-10-08T08:05:00.002-05:00

NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT

BABY GIRL SHOWER

Immediately following our business meeting on the 14th, we invite you to join us for a baby shower. Laura (Clint & Patty's daughter) has had a very challenging last few months and we would like to express our love to her and her new bundle of blessing.
(Laura has been on bed rest and is scheduled to have a C-Section at the end of this month.)

Prayer Requests Updates

2009-10-06T08:44:00.003-05:00

Bro. Jim is not feeling well and is having chills and fever.

Bro. Billy is a little better and may be able to receive his chemo this week.

Bro. Bobby and Ashli.

Those mentioned in our service and bulletin.

Remember ---- Prayer does not work because of WHO PRAYS it.

Prayer works because of the one WHO HEARS it.

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A good verse to memorize....by s.t.

2009-10-02T10:52:00.003-05:00

Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you;
He will not fail you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.

It is human nature to worry about problems or situations in our lives. We have to depend upon the Lord to straighten those out for us. I know it is hard to wait, because we want things to happen RIGHT NOW! Just remember, He will not fail or forsake us.

Study on the book of Revelation...by s.t.

2009-09-30T11:05:00.003-05:00

Remember that we are continuing our study of the book of Revelation tonight. Hope to see everyone there.

Serving God....by s.t.

2009-09-29T08:39:00.004-05:00

1. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.
2. Exercise daily, walk with the Lord.
3. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

You may not have had the opportunity to "witness" to someone (sitting down with them, showing them verses, etc..),but did you know that you are a witness to everyone you meet? Think of how many times someone you know has done or said something totally "unchristlike" and you have said "Huh, I thought he was a christian!"

Remember that people are watching you, ask God to curb your tongue or your temper, whatever you have a problem with that is a stumbling block to others.

9-27-09 Sunday school lesson....by s.t.

2009-09-28T12:59:00.003-05:00

The lesson in brief.

Now is the best time to begin doing the work of God. Begin today to do what God has chosen you to do. "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it" Psalm 90:17

Have you quit doing the work of the Lord? Did you wake up one morning and realize you had let your service for the Lord lapse by the wayside? NOW, RIGHT NOW, is the time to start working for Him again! Recommit yourself to God and his work...and GET TO WORK!

What is your work for the Lord? Maybe it is prayer, telling others about Jesus, teaching sunday school, working in the nursery...It is whatever God lays on your heart.

If you respond to God's call to do His work, you have God's promise of His presence and power. (Matt 28:19-20) He is the One who can give you a vision of a blessed future and fill your heart with zeal and anticipation of seeing that vision realized.

Quickies.. by st

2009-09-24T11:08:00.003-05:00

1. When praying, don't give God instructions - just report for duty.
2. We don't change God's message - His message changes us.
3. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
4. He who angers you controls you.
5. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
6. Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler!

Prayer Circles

2009-09-23T07:56:00.003-05:00

We were in attendance this morning supporting our community, teachers, and students at the See You At The Pole program.
There were 115 in attendance. The program started with students singing and reading scriptures. Different ages were involved with the readings and it was very moving.
Toward the end of the program we made several prayer circles with a student being a leader of each circle, beginning and ending the prayer for each circle.
Our Thanks to Sound Effects for providing the music players and speakers so everyone could hear.

History of the event
On 1990-APR-6, a group of teenagers in Burleson, TX assembled for a discipleship retreat. That night they decided to go to three schools and pray around the campus' flagpoles for their friends and fellow students. In 1990-JUN, at a rally of teenagers in Dallas TX, over 20,000 attendees were challenged to organize prayer sessions at their schools, following the Burleson example. Some 45,000 students at 1,200 schools in 4 states did just that on 1990-SEP-12 at 07:00 hours. The movement went national one year later.
Last year there were over 1 million participants across the US and 6 continents.

The remainder of the history can be read here.

http://www.syatp.com/info/history/

When We Face Opposition...by s.t.

2009-09-16T14:55:00.005-05:00

We have all faced opposition at one time or another. Some more than others. One episode that comes to my mind happened when my children were young. Nearly the whole family was at my mother's house and my brother was watching an R-rated movie on TV (lots of violence and cussing) and there were about 6 or 7 kids (my neices and nephews) in the living room with him. When I saw what they were watching, I told him the kids didn't need to be seeing that kind of stuff. All the kids started whining and he said it didn't hurt anything, so I made my children stop watching and everyone was griping at me about it, saying that it wouldn't hurt just this one time. It was hard to stand against that much opposition.

It is not always easy to stand for godliness. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" 2 Timothy 3:12.

If you focus on the opposition, you will become discouraged and neglect your responsiblity to God. What can we do?
1. Make sure that you are going the way the Lord wants you to go.
2. Turn your opposition over to the Lord.
3. Keep doing what you know the Lord wants you to do, recognizing that the ultimate victory belongs to Him, not your enemies.

Sunday School Lesson for 9-20-09 by s.t.

2009-09-15T13:47:00.002-05:00

Brace for Opposition

Lesson in Brief:
If you focus on opposition, you will become discouraged and neglect your responsibility to God. Keep your focus upon the Lord both in good times and in bad.
Psalms 3:1-2
"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up agaist me. Many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God."

Good Advice! by s.t.

2009-09-15T11:37:00.004-05:00

I did not write these sayings, but they contain good advice!

1. Give God what's right...not what's left.
2. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
3. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to church for a face-lift.
4. When praying, don't give God instructions--just report for duty!

Prayer Requests (Week of 09-13)

2009-09-15T10:15:00.002-05:00

Please remember those who were mentioned in our service and in our bulletin this week.

Updates for our prayer list.

Bro. Clint will be having an MRI this week. Please be in prayer for this.
This test may reveal the source of the debilitating pain he has endured for several years and we Praise The Lord that He has made a way for this test.

Suzette has asked for prayer for Kenna and her son Daniel.
Kenna is scheduled to go to court Monday for divorce proceedings.
Please pray that she will retain custody of her son.

Please pray for our Sunday School program and our teachers.

When King Jesus Returns by s.t.

2009-09-14T09:25:00.004-05:00

You are in your car driving home. Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don't know, but you want to know. So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up.

As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen.

As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None. From every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky. North. South. East. West. Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, Holy, holy, holy... The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship.

Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is... Jesus. Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration: I am the Alpha and the Omega. The angels bow their heads... The elders remove their crowns... And before you is a Figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters..... Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. Nothing is newsworthy... All that mattered, matters no more.. For Christ has come.

Are you ready for that day?