Book Winner!

Congratulations to Deanna Morris-Stacey on wining the drawing for the book The richest man who ever lived.

On fighting

I HAVE DISCOVERED OVER THE YEARS THAT SOMETIMES IN ORDER TO GET STRONGER IN YOUR CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE, A TRANSITION IS REQUIRED, AND IT’S THE TRAUMA, OR THE FIGHT DURING THIS TRANSITION THAT SERVES TO BREAK US AWAY FROM THE OLD THINGS THAT WE’VE BECOME SO ACCUSTOM TO, AND THAT WE’VE GROWN TO DEPEND ON.

Author unknown

Mens Retreat

I just got back from men's retreat at camp Kahoka. It has been a long time since I had the opportunity to spend time with some of church men of the state. With many of these guys, I have stayed in their homes, ate at their tables, and preached in their churches. I am reminded once again that over the years relationships grow cold if neglected. It was nice to feel them warming again. Fellowship was one of the topics of our Regional Overseer Bishop Pense. I appreciated the opportunity to stand and talk with him one on one last evening. I listened as he shared his vision for our region. His vision included rebuilding some of these relationships that we used to enjoy. I came away from this weekend with an excitement of what lies ahead.

Well my grandson Will had his first T-Ball game tonight. Grandparents from his mom and dad were there, along with great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins friends etc... Nate is one of his coaches, and man what a game. Will hit an in field grand slam at his first at bat!! (I don't know if he knew what he did when he got done) At this age they are a real treat to watch as they fall over the ball, and are not real sure what the object of the game is. No one yells any words at them but words of encouragement and they know that at the end of the game, a free coke or snow comb awaits them. Will made me laugh as Michelle told me he said, "Mom we are not the "Red Socks" we wear blue socks You have got to love this time of life!

Clergy Are the Happiest in Their Jobs

Pastors — perceived to be some of the most under-appreciated and in-demand workers in America — are actually the happiest and most satisfied in their jobs, according to results from a newly released survey by the University of Chicago as reported at www.christianpost.com.
The survey found clergy to be the top job for satisfaction among American workers; 87 percent of clergy reported being "very satisfied." Firefighters (80%) and physical therapists (78%) were also the "most satisfied" in their profession. In addition to being "the most satisfied," clergy also out-ranked other American workers as being the "happiest" (67%).

"The most satisfying jobs are mostly professions, especially those involving caring for, teaching and protecting others, and creative pursuits," said Tom W. Smith, director of the General Social Survey at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.

Other top jobs include education administrators, painters and sculptors, teachers, authors, psychologists, special education teachers, operating engineers, office supervisors and security and financial services salespersons, with more than 60 percent saying they are very satisfied.

"The least satisfying dozen jobs are mostly low-skill, manual and service occupations, especially involving customer service and food/beverage preparation and service," noted Smith.

Another recent study — released by the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love and conducted by such top universities as Harvard and the University of Chicago — had also found that people who give to and help others on a regular basis feel the happiest.

A Quote for Today

"You are younger today than you ever will be again. Make use of it for the sake of tomorrow."

-Anonymous

Book Drawing

I love to pass along books. I am holding a drawing for a copy of the book we are studying on Wednesday nights. If you would like your name entered in the drawing send me an e-mail with your name. I will have the drawing Saturday. All BLOG readers are eligible, even if you don't attend NLR.

(I will cover the shiping)


E-Mail to:
pastor@nlrchurch.com


Greg

May 3rd National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer web site

56th Annual Day of Prayer comes at "crucial time in history."

Millions of Americans will answer the call to prayer on May 3 in observance of the 56th annual National Day of Prayer. Will you be among them?

The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman.

Shirley Dobson, wife of Dr. James Dobson, is chairman for the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

“At this crucial time in history, with our armed forces engaged in a desperate struggle in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, we encourage all people of faith to set aside their differences and publicly seek God's wisdom and direction for those in harm's way and for our homes, communities and country,” she said in a statement. “Our Founding Fathers recognized the power of prayer and gathered regularly to ask for God's blessing. We can do no less."

"Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still."

-Chinese Proverb

Stars Born?

It has been a little busy around the Thompson household as Debbie and her sisters were preparing to take their annual trip, this year to Arizona. She did not leave before seeing the play Grease with Bailey and Aaron. They did a great job! We are proud of you two!

We started our study last night.

There were several things we learned about Solomon's most amazing life. One of the 'secrets' we learned is that Solomon understood the word diligence. Listed are some of the promises to those who are diligent.

Our home work is: Read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month (today is the 19th, read chapter 19) Read looking for 'treasure' or nuggets that explain why something is so.

"Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work."

-Anna Quindlen

"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity."

-Henry Van Dyke

Just Why Do Americans Attend Church?

GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

More than 40% of Americans claim to attend church or synagogue regularly, and only about 15% say they never attend. Easter is one of two times a year, along with Christmas, when pews are filled to capacity in many churches, bringing to mind the question: Just why do Americans attend church?

Researchers have spent a good deal of time over the years investigating American churchgoing behavior, developing theories that range from the sociological benefit of religious ritual in promoting group solidarity to the practical benefits derived from participation in community social gatherings. And, of course, there are those who argue that the reason for church attendance is quite simple: It is the rational response of humans who feel the need to worship a real and powerful God.

Those who reported attending at least once a month — 58 percent of the current sample — were asked why they attend. The reasons were:

1. For spiritual growth and guidance (23%)
2. Keeps me grounded/inspired (20%)
3. It's my faith (15%)
4. To worship God (15%)
5. The fellowship of other members/The community (13%)
6. Belief in God/Belief in religion (12%)
7. Brought up that way/A family value/Tradition (12%)
8. Other (4%)
9. No reason in particular (1%)

read full story

New American Citizen !

My brother-in-law Anton (Susan' husband) was born and raised in South Africa. He came to the US to teach for the ATA (American Taekwondo Association) After living here he made the decision to become an American citizen. Watching from the outside, it appears to be quite a feat to accomplish in this post 9/11 world. Friday the 13th Anton was finally sworn in. It is very interesting to listen to someone speak about this country who is not originally from here. It helps me understand how much we take for granted. Congratulations and welcome !

Words left unsaid?

We have a funeral to attend today. Gene Davis Debbie's Uncle, passed away from complications of kidney and heart problems. When Deb and I were first married (as teenagers) there were plenty of times when we had no electricity or food. We knew that Gene and Louise's house was always good for a bed or meal, with no strings or judgement attached. We could just go visit and end up staying without anything being said.

I visited him at the hospital the other morning, when I arrived I discovered the family had all gone to freshen up so there I stood with him all alone. A question came to me as I watched him on the ventilator, "Do you have anything left unsaid to him" I realized that if I did it was too late. I stood there for a while watching the rhythmic breathing he was doing from his machine. I thought back to his healthy days, times when he was full of strength and fight. Days that seemed they would never end. I contrasted those to that moment I was in.

I am very sad to see him go. Did I have things left unsaid? Truthfully, yes.

An e-mail that has been floating around this week goes;

One morning you will never wake up. 

Do all your friends know you love them?
I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week,
and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed,
friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be
said. Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even
if you think they don't love you back  you would be amazed
at what those three little words and a smile can do.
   
And just in case GOD calls me home before I see you
again....... I LOVE YA!!!

Do you have any words left that need to be said?

Greg

John Maxwell has been a favorite author of mine for several years. I enjoy passing along some of his articles. This one deals with our personal growth. When do we stop growing? I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

Laws of Lifetime Personal Growth
By Dr. John C. Maxwell

Two of our youth Starring in Play off Broadway (way off Broadway)

Two of our youth are starring in Grease at Robinson High School. The lead character "Danny Zuko" is being played by Arron Millirons. "Frenchie" is being played by Bailey Thompson. Come check out these rising stars, so you can say, I knew them when they first started.

New Wednesday Night Study

I read this book over our vacation. The devotion on the church website comes from an idea out of this book. We will finish our current study this week, and start this new study the week after. If you are looking for a good book, I highly recommend this one.

Sick Folks

After a great day yesterday, Deb and I had our grandson Axton for the night, however he and Debbie came down with some sort of bug. This is a continuation of what Alex and Will have. Remember Debbie,three of the grandsons, and Michelle as they all get well.

Easter

Today was a great day! The crowd was one of the best we have had in a while. I have never seen so many cameras in one place other than a press conference. A lot of proud of moms, dads and grandparents today. I will post more of the egg hunt pictures on the web site.

Proofs of Christ Resurrection

For centuries many of the world's distinguished philosophers have assaulted Christianity as being irrational, superstitious and absurd. Many have chosen simply to ignore the central issue of the resurrection. Others have tried to explain it away through various theories. But the historical evidence just can't be discounted.

A student at the University of Uruguay said to me. "Professor McDowell, why can't you refute Christianity?"

"For a very simple reason," I answered. "I am not able to explain away an event in history--the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

How can we explain the empty tomb? Can it possibly be accounted for by any natural cause?

Read more of this story by Josh McDowell

American Idol still at it

Phil Stacey, a Lee University graduate (Church of God College) and minister of music, has reached the Top 8 of the #1 rated talent search.

New Ball Park

It i s no secret that I am not a big ball fan, however I had the opportunity to do a walk thru the new ball park in North Little Rock and WOW. I was very sad to see the old Travelers field go, but one look at this new one, and I am sold. We have got to do a church outing there.

We are Back!

There is something about open water to clear out the cobwebs.
We got back from an eventful but relaxing vacation. Thank you to Brother House, Brother Gene and Sister Doris for taking care of the services in my absence.
Since getting back a few things have happened:


Bailey now has her drivers license, and does not have to have an adult with her. Wow, her she is posing on that most memorable day. I will never forget the feeling of watching your youngest child drive off with a State Trooper in the car for her test. Congratulations Bailey!




Grayson turned one! There was a big party where Grayson seemed to be more interested in cake and his toy tractor. (Gene was proud)



Sabrinia turned 15! Another great party at Red Lobster. It is true, they grow fast. Happy Birthday Sabrinia!