What Another Challenge?
What it is about challenges that people, in general, don't like? Are we unable to handle them because they are so difficult or have we been preprogrammed to display a certain pessimistic mind set when we are confronted by them? Whatever the case, challenges are real and they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as little as deciding to try something different at our favorite restaurant, or they can be as big as starting a new job, moving to a new state, riding out a storm with 93 mph winds or passing a kidney stone (Ha Ha).
With every new challenge comes the opportunity to meet that challenge. One might describe such an endeavor as change. Change is probably one of the most intimidating aspects of life. No one likes them. No matter how big or smell, change is normally looked at as one of life's sour notes. And yet, in order to meet challenges, we must realize that we can change, take steps to change, and then we can prosper from such a change. Let me illustrate this thought. As you are aware, our family has had to face a number of new challenges. In order to meet these challenges we had to face the reality of making some changes in our lives. To accomplish this, we first had to envision over new work here at Eisenhower. Then we had to make decisions (selling the house, packing, turn off utilities, etc.) which would lead to the inevitability of our family coming to Odessa, Texas. And finally, when all of these changes were executed, we could then flourish in our new surroundings.
The reason I bring this up is to point out that the same thing happens in Christianity. Christianity brings new challenges-both great and small. Andwith these challenges comes the formidable task of making changes in one's life. The type of changes which God desires from man like that of man turning from darkness, to light the power of Satan to God, from unrighteousness to righteousness (Acts 26:18). The Hebrew writer said it this this way, "Therefore also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).
Friends, instead of facing challenges with a fatalistic mentality, we need to face them with an optimistic mindset. Only with a confident manner of thinking can we enact the proper changes which are needed to please God (Js. 1:12). Beloved, our entire family would like to take this time to express our deepest appreciation for all of your help during the past month. With your help, prayers, and support our time of transition has been both easier and lighter. May we all look forward to the challenges which lie ahead.
-Allen Weakland
Be An Encourager
One writer has stated: "One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement...it is easy enough to laugh at men's
ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of
discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation
or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word."
A youthful preacher was discouraged over his lack of accomplishment in his labors. The young man had hoped to preach to hundreds but only a handful came. An elder lifted his spirits by saying, "Son, don't feel badly. I know of a man who had only twelve followers and He did all right."
It is human nature to get discouraged. It is divine nature to give encouragement.
Bill Dillon
Placing Membership
Billy and Yolanda Carson have expressed their desire to work and worship with us here at the Eisenhower church of Christ.
Sympathy
We express our sympathy to the family of Marcia Allen. Marcia passed from this life on Sunday, July 1st. She was a
former member here along with her family. Funeral services are scheduled for July 7th in O'Donnell, TX.
Current Concerns
Jimmy Nunley is still struggling with kidney stones.
Angela Welsh, friend of Connie Lowe, will be going to MD Anderson for tests on July 10th.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; LeeRoy Bell; Josephina Chacon; Beulah Cox; Sharon Fisher; Teresa Ford; Joe and Gracie Mendoza;
Patsy Sanchez; Shelline Stokes; Marilyn Upshaw; Lucinda Webster; Nell O' Beth Willoughby; Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Wilma Mitchell; Virgie Price;
Charles and Pearl Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's
topic will be titled, "Joseph's Bones."
Ladies' Night will be held on Tuesday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the annex. Please cook your favorite recipe. Also, if you
could provide Sonia Wood with a copy of your recipe before the 10th, she can make copies for everyone. Pantry items
are soups, crackers, and canned fruit.
The Lakeview Christian Home will be here on the week of July 16th. They have requested canned fruits, however, any
kind of canned food would be appreciated.
We will be having a pot luck luncheon on July 15th immediately following morning services for Victor and Gracie
Martinez. They will be leaving us shortly after this date. Come join us in saying farewell and best wishes. Be sure to
sign the book for them in the foyer.
FYI
Men: Please check the men to serve list. There have been some changes.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of July are Rocio Chacon and Barbara Martinez.
| July 8, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Lon Howard |
Lon Howard |
Song Leader |
Ronnie Lane |
David Easlon |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Lon Howard |
Lon Howard |
Scripture |
Bill Brown |
John Carroll |
Second Prayer |
Bill Bayless |
Burt Groves |
Closing Prayer |
Billy Carson |
Mark Ingram |
|
||
West |
Tony Marrs |
Trini Wood |
East |
Jimmy Nunley |
Ezekiel Martinez |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Lon Howard - Deacon: Richard Siler
Pulpit: Mike Roemisch - Table: Frank Vargas - Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
""Who Loves Christ Most"
(Luke 7:36-50)
Sunday PM
"Bearing Temptation"
(1 Corinthians 10:13)
Our Records
Bible Class...121
Morning Worship...190
Evening Worship...127
Wednesday...104
Contribution... $4,999.64