Health and Happiness Connection

An article I just read discussed the connection between happiness and health. The article said among other things;

"We need to take more seriously the possibility that positive emotional style is a major player in disease risk," Cohen's team writes in Psychosomatic Medicine.

Of course, anyone can get sick. Happiness isn't a magic bullet that guarantees health, and the researchers aren't blaming illness on negative emotions.

But the effect emotions have on health may be more complicated than previously thought, the researchers note.

Complete article

Song "Don't worry be happy" One of my favorites ;-)

Congratulations Taylor!

Taylor was awarded the good citizen of the month at his school. Great job Taylor!!

A few Pictures from Pioneers awards Sunday

Update on Brooke

This morning Brook Huckaby had a wreck. She has probably totaled her car. She was treated and released at Baptist Hospital. The medic that worked the wreck said that if she had not had her seat belt on she would have been hurt very badly and possibly killed. She is at home now, very sore. We give God thanks for her safety. Remember her as she recuperates.

Lent

Sunday we took on the topic of Lent.
Lent is primarily observed by the Catholic faith. This practice has intrigued me, and after studying it I wanted to offer a version to our local church.

Lent is the 40 days prior to Easter. As one writer said, The evangelical call of the Lenten season is very simple: recognize our sinfulness repent and believe the good news.

Lent is celebrated most commonly by fasting. Another writer on the subject wrote,


"Take an act you find addicting that distracts you from God. It could be the TV, something unhealthy spiritually and then deny that. It could be a favorite food like chocolate, soda, sugar, etc. The idea here is to deny yourself something special that you find almost addicting in your life.

When the 40 days are up you can rejoice more in Easter than before.

Denying something you really enjoy can also allow you to connect with not only God in a fresh way, but fellow Christians. We all are aware of the suffering in Third World nations. By denying special things they will never have we can connect better with them. But Lent is not always about giving up it is also about doing good for others. "

My challenge to the church was to pray ask ask God for direction about an item, habit etc. that could be given up for the coming weeks prior to Easter.
More on this later....

Lent for the non Liturgical

Dumas

I just got back from Dumas. We were called to bring down ambulances, we are thankful that there were fewer injures than first thought. I enjoyed the interview on channel 11 with a few ladies from the Fred's Dollar store. She described how they prayed as they lay in the floor as the tornado hit. She then finished her story telling how God was good to them and said, "I could shout". I agree with her, God was good. Please remember the families effected. I understand that two children that have been brought to Little Rock are not doing well.

Greg

:-)

This is not me when Mike and Tom are missing.

A little laugh for your day

I ran across a little Christian web site devoted to the ministry of laughter. A couple of the videos are a hoot. They have it right, its time to laugh!

Its time to Laugh

May you live till you die!
Greg

Do you believe in Evolution?

I ran across a basic film that gives a neat picture of evolution vs creation.
The Watch Maker

Want to be a missionary?

Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

An official of a mission board, who knew it takes more than just desire to make a missionary, was appointed to examine a candidate for the mission field. He told the young man to be at his house at six o'clock in the morning. The young man complied and arrived a six o'clock sharp. The examiner kept him sitting alone in the room until ten. Then he finally came in and said abruptly, " Young man, can you write your name? A little taken aback by the simplicity of his question, the man paused. Before he could get a word out, the examiner blurted, "What, you don't know what it is?" The mission board official put him through a series of questions of that nature and then went to report to the mission board.

"Okay," he said, "he will do." I tried his patience for hours and hours and he did not break down; Then I insulted him and he did not lose his temper. This candidate answered with patience, fortitude, and gentleness. His faith was vindicated by the very quality of his character. He will make a good missionary."

Whether we realize it or not -- we all are in the mission field. Our patience is bound to be tested in ways we've never imagined and we'll most likely find it unfair and unkind at times. But standing strong in the Lord in the face of offensive treatment and enduring seasons of long-suffering is a testimony in and of itself -- and that will win souls!

Are you weary from the walk? Get your second wind! Count it all joy! You have endured much and you will see victory! Not only here on earth but when we meet the Lord!

From missionaries
George, Rivka and Elianna Whitten
Currently in Tampa, FL

Monday February 19 2007

It was great to be with those of you in service yesterday. We joined with other churches across this country and celebrated "Amazing Grace Sunday" We missed you who were out!!

SLOW
Patti gave me a note after church that read:
"When you think God is now listening, SLOW Down"
SLOW = Search, Listen, Obey, Worship.

Is your home secure?
This is not about spreading fear, but shared with the idea of informing you. I was sent a news story about "Lock Bumping" by a Police friend. Something to consider.

Lock Bumping

May you live all your life
Greg

It snowed 28 years ago today

You may ask how I remember that.
It was on this day in February that a couple of kids that many said would not make it, said their vows. Married by a minister who we did not know, in a church that we did not attend with no rehearsal prior to the evening. The day started out with some snow flurries and turned to several inches of snow by the evening. As my best man and I made our way to the Church in my 1965 Chevy truck, we topped a hill and looked down to see several cars in a tangled mess. I was unable to stop, so I did the best thing I could do and steered into a yard coming to rest in a ditch against a line of hedges. Due to the roads, we were already running dangerously close to being late. I got out of the truck in my baby blue tux (quite stylish at the time) and slid down the hill, where I explained to the group of angry, frustrated drivers that I was late for my own wedding. To my surprise they crawled back up the hill to my truck with me where they and my best man (also dressed in an equally stylish baby blue tux) pushed the truck back on to the street and around the wrecks.
I learned later that back at the church my future father-in-law was saying, "I told you he wouldn't come, I told you he was a bum."
I did finally make it, a little muddy, a little cold, a little frustrated and scared to death.
I look back today and can say the same thing about the last 28 years.
We both made it to the church that day, we have made it these years I think due to the same determination. We have gotten stuck, sometimes others didn't believe in us, it has taken a lot of help from family, friends and strangers to get us out of ditches that I put us in. But today we are here, but not at our destination. Just like that day not so long ago, we are not finished yet, we are only beginning another phase of this wonderful journey.

Happy Anniversary Deb.

Greg

Happy Birthday Sister Maxine!

Caring

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

-Leo Buscaglia

Overseer Update

I received a letter today from Bishop Clements. He writes that Bishop Wayne Pense will be the new Overseer for the mid-America region begining March 1st 2007. Bishop Pense is a former Overseer who is currently Pastoring in Oklahoma.

Greg

Birthdays

13 Nicole Wilson 12 Gene McIntosh

In all the hustle I forgot to say Happy Birthday to Brother Gene and Nicole. Two great people around here. Happy Birthday you two!!

Greg

Happy Valentines day

NOTE
For anyone who cannot attend the Memorial service for Lelon's Father, you may log onto the Funeral home web page and sign the guest book.

rollerfuneralhomes.com

Greg

Cross Funeral Plans

I wanted to pass on the funeral arrangements for Lelon's father. The funeral will be in Conway at Roller McNutt Funeral Home. This is the one on the left side of the freeway as you enter Conway from Little Rock, at the second exit.

• Visitation will be Thursday from noon till one o'clock
• The funeral will start at one o'clock.

Greg

Passing of Brother Cross's father

With sadness I report to you that Lelon's father passed away last night. I spoke with Deanie this morning, she relates the family is still making arrangements. This is a very sad time for them, as you reach out to them remember to also keep them in your prayers.

Greg

Cross Family

I received a call last night from Brother Cross. His father has had a massive stroke and is now in the Conway Regional Hospital. I visited with them today, he has now been placed on comfort care. Please remember Lelon and his family in your prayers.

Greg

Overseer Change for Arkansas and Oklahoma

I just received news today that our Regional Overseer Brother Nichols has accepted a church in Louisville Kentucky. I spoke with Bother Yancey who confirmed that Nichols will probably be leaving in March, however at this time no one else has been appointed as his replacement. I understand that Pastors were sent a letter, I have not received mine yet. I will keep you posted as things develop.

Greg

Good things come to those who WAIT!

I read a story today that I thought some of you might like:

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, age five and Ryan, three. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson so she said; "Now boys, if Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus."

Share and today, let your brother go first.

Greg

A Quick Update

Happy Birthday to Ashley Johnson!

I visited Pastor Wilson this morning at SVI. He is in a lot of pain after a hip replacement. he is in room 1403 the church sent flowers.

Sister Thompson is at home doing better but very tired.

Roger Armstrong does not have confirmed cancer, however he was at VA today going though some test to see if he does.

Greg

February 6 2007

An update on a few folks from today that need you prayers:

Sister Doris was transported to the hospital today in Conway with a heart arrhythmia. She was released late this afternoon. I spoke with her in the evening, she is doing much better.

I spoke with Tim Lawrence today, tomorrow is the anniversary of his Dad's death. This is a very sad time for he and his family.

I guess this Blog thing is taking off, in truth the idea of this Blog came from Mike Stafford. You know that he is confined to the house after his back surgery for the next six weeks or so. I challenged him Sunday to do a Blog of his own, after all he got me doing this one. Well he started one of his own, way to go Mike! I have added his link to this Blog.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.

Greg

Monday February 5 2007

Enjoyed being with everyone yesterday. It was good to see Derick and Peggy back, Peggy has been working Sunday's. We missed those of you who were not able to attend. I visited Mike on Sunday, he looks good, I worry he is going to get cabin fever before he is let out of the house :-)


Greg

Church football talk

For those Superbowl fans.

Here is some football-speak theology that appeared in ‘Religious Broadcasting’ magazine:

Backfield-in-Motion - Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service.
Bench warmer - Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit.
Blitz - The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayer.
Blocking - Standing inside the church door complaining to the pastor about the sermon.
Extra point - What you receive when you tell the preacher the sermon was too short.
Flex Defense - The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life.
Fumble - A lousy sermon.
Halftime - The period between Sunday school and worship when many choose to leave.
Illegal motion - Leaving before the benediction
Instant Replay - The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week’s illustrations.
Quarterback sneak - Sunday school teachers entering the church building five minutes after Sunday school begins.
Quarterback Sneak - Worshipper quietly gets up during the invitation and sneaks out of church ahead of everybody.
Not to be confused with End Run - Getting out of church quickly, without speaking to any guest or fellow member.
Staying in the Pocket - What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord’s work.
Sudden Death - What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes "overtime."
Trap - You’re called on to pray and are asleep.
Two-minute Warning - The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings.

Mission Accomplished!

It is finished! This was the last box from Sister Maxine's old apartment. Thank you Robert and Tom!

Update on Mike
Spoke with him today he is stiff but much better than before the surgery. Keep remembering him in your prayers.

Update onBrother Wooldridge
He is better, just staying out of the cold.

Greg

February 2 2007

I spoke with Sister Maxine this morning. She has moved most all the small things and only needs help with the furniture. We will meet tomorrow at 8AM at her home her address is in the church directory, (call if you need directions) If you have 2 wheeler bring it. It should not take us long at all to finish.



Greg

February 1 2007

I have wanted to add a way to give out information without blowing up your e-mail. I hope to use this tool to keep you up to speed on maters that would effect the local church, or just things to pass along.
Pastor Greg