Debbie and her sisters flew back from their annual trip with the Arkansas Governor, Mike Beebe. He sent a signed a picture to Debbie the other day. I am amazed she lets me hang out with her ;-)

Wayne Hall

The Following is an update on Bishop Wayne Hall, Fields of the Wood Manager as posted by Tennessee State Overseer, E.C. McKinnley:
This morning, I spoke with Brother Hall for about half an hour. He told me that he was mowing on Ten Commandment mountain at Fields of the Wood, and as he was lifting the front pan of the mower, his left front wheel went into a hole and he was thrown from the tractor. THE TRACTOR DID NOT TURN OVER ON HIM.

He said that he was thrown about 2/3rds of the way up the mountain, and that he tumbled about 75 feet before coming to a stop. He was taken to the hospital, where the doctors did complete xrays to make sure there were no broken bones. Thank the Lord that he is sore but suffered no major damage.

He is unable to do the work as much as needed right now, and with the recent departure of some of his grounds crew much has fallen on him to do. He thanks everyone for their prayers.

Buried or Lifted?

If you find yourself at the bottom of a deep hole in the ground, and somebody starts shoveling dirt into the hole, what are you going to do?

Are you going to give up and resign yourself to being buried, or are you going to step up on top of each fresh mound of dirt until you're finally able to step out of the hole? It all depends on whether you look at the dirt as something that will bury you or as something that can lift you higher.

In short, it's a matter of attitude and perspective. Every day, problems, frustrations, challenges and uncertainty are heaped upon you. They can bury you if you let them. Or, they can lift you if you'll step up to them.

Which will it be? Don't stand still and let yourself get buried when, with a bit of effort, you can use the very same situation to lift yourself up.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale speaks on worry

;-)

Dad in hospital

Many of you may know by now that my Dad was transported to the hospital by ambulance Saturday with chest pain. Sunday they put in a STINT. He is doing very well, in fact going home today. Thank you to all for your prayers.

Are you dealing with hard headed people?

We studied this past Wednesday night the topic of "Dealing with Conflict"
I came across this writing from Rick Warren that went right along with our study.

When asked what he considered the most valuable skill in employees, John D. Rockefeller once replied, "The ability to get along with people!"

One of the most important skills needed to succeed in ministry is knowing how to handle troublemakers. If you learn how to deal with difficult people early on, then you'll be able to pour more energy into ministry rather than needless conflicts.

Troublemakers come in all shapes:

• THE SHERMAN TANK - will run over you if you let him.
• THE MEGAPHONE - will talk your ear off.
• THE BUBBLE BUSTER - deflates everyone's enthusiasm.
• THE VOLCANO - has a temper like Mt. St. Helens.
• THE CRY BABY - is a chronic complainer.
• THE NIT PICKER - is the unpleasable perfectionist.
• THE SPACE CADET - is on a different wavelength.

What should you do with these types?

Jesus had to deal with a lot of difficult people. Here are FOUR methods he modeled through his life:

1. Realize you can't please everybody (John 5:30). Even God can't do that! One wants rain while the other demands sunshine.
2. Refuse to play their game (Matt. 22:18). Learn to say no to unrealistic expectations. Confront them by "telling the truth in love."
3. Never retaliate (Matt. 5:38-39). It only lowers you to their level.
4. Pray for them (Matt. 5:44). It will help both of you. Let God handle them.

Make this Bible verse your goal this week, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Rom. 12:18 NIV)

Arrangments for Cliff Dilldine

A letter from Bishop Pense:

As most of you have heard by now Brother Cliff Dilldine has left for "home." He passed away early Wednesday morning. (Their 50th Wedding Anniversary date) His Memorial service will be on Monday, June 4 at 11 AM at:

Arrow Heights Baptist Church

(Just North of 101st Street on Elm Place in Broken Arrow)

The family will be receiving friends Sunday evening from 6 - 8 PM at:

Hayhurst Funeral Home

1660 S. Elm Place

Broken Arrow, OK 74012

918-258-9623

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Wayne Pense,

Regional Overseer

Bother Dilldine

I am sure that most know by now this information, however I wanted to pass along the letter from his son Dusty.

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I send out this email to let you all know that this morning about 2:35 am, my dad made his grand entrance into heaven with an angelic choir singing. My Dad was a very quiet man of few words and exited this life just about the same way. He made it for his and Mom's 50th wedding anniversary, he wouldn't have had it any other way.
You'll never know how much each of your thoughts and prayers have meant to our family over the past few months and weeks. There is alot to be said for living a Christian life and knowing all is well with your soul. i'll let you know more as we iron out the details for his service. He was one of the hardest working and richest men I'll probably ever know with family and friends love. Keep my mom in your prayers and I know God's Grace will be sufficient for us all.

Dilldine, Dusty

"You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was."

-Abraham Lincoln