Always trying to think of some special way to say things very often leaves things unsaid. For instance, there is no better way to say I love you than, "I love you."

There is also no better way to tell God what's on your heart than to just come right out and say it.

Such is the case with me today. There is a teenage boy in Children's Hospital in Dallas who is suffering with stage 5 Lupus. He is not part of our youth group; as far as I know he doesn't attend church; but he is always smiling, and unlike many who do attend church, he always speaks and has a kind word to say. Do I understand? No, I must say I don't. But if I have to understand God's dealings with people then I would not be believing that He is in control and faith would not be a part of my life.

Since I claim to be a believer, and have exercised faith in so many other areas of my life, I am expressing to God what is on my heart. I am asking that He gives wisdom to doctors, patience and tenderness to care givers, grace to family members, courage to this young man, and peace in the hearts of all who know and love him.

Please join me in praying for Victor as he goes through this difficult time in his life.

A Whole New Look

If you haven't been by the youth room lately, you really need to go take a look. Thanks to many who have given of their time, the youth group, (Alex, Isaac, Justin & Shelby), Lillian White, and LFBC Voluteer Builders, we are going "out with the old and in with the new." Although there is still much to do, we can now meet in there again ( the paint fumes are almost gone.) Stop by anytime. Better still, join us for a tremendous night of praise, worship and studying God's Word together.

Calendar update: January 25 -

• drama practice with Bro Perry Sunday afternoon, 4:30 in the Sanctuary. (Jesus Saves mime skit)
• Afterglow at Lake Quitman - Woodman of the World Camp

Where were you when the lights went out?

I was sitting at the kitchen table enjoying my first cup of coffee and reading, something I do every morning, when all of a sudden everything went dark. (This is not an unusual occurance if you have Wood County Electric as your service provider.) Still it was unexpected. My wife was sitting in the bed reading, Justin was still sleeping and expecting his alarm to wake him. No matter how many times we went to the light switch the power wasn't there. The problem had to be addressed and fixed.

Having power seems to be as natural as having running water. We take it for granted. I remember a few months ago when we once again lost power. (Rumor has it that a snake had slithered it's way into the switching station and shorted out the system.)

In our daily walk with God we often take His power for granted. We go about our daily routine and never notice that slithering sin that finds its way into our lives and shorts out our spiritual power source. Spiritual power comes with a right relationship with God; sin hinders it. Let's not wait until the time we need it most to discover it's missing.

"If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:9 KJV

Above my computer screen taped to the wall is a picture of a very good friend of mine. While we were spending time with friends and family during Thanksgiving and Christmas, he was many thousands of miles away in Afganistan. As I looked at his picture my mind went back in time some 40+ years when as a teen ager I spent my first Christmas away from home anchored off the shore of Japan. Even though that was long long ago, I still remember the loneliness I felt that Christmas eve. When Christmas was over, missing home didn't go away. We often think of and pray for service men and women, missionaries, shut-ins, those in prison, and the homeless during the holidays. We even go so far as to send cards, care packages, and give special love offerings this time of the year. But what about the other eleven months. Shouldn't we make every effort to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. Take the time this week to send a post holiday greeting to someone far away, or visit some one who is home alone. For sure it will brighten their day and if you let it, yours too. If you don't know anyone like that give me a call, I know one in particular that would love to hear from you.

Mark your calendar

Jan. 7 - S.A.L.T. meeting after Wed. pm service - youth room
Jan. 17 - S.W.A.T. assignment at Carl Gannon's 9:00 - noon
Jan. 25 - afterglow - location TBA
Jan. 25 - Evangelism Conference - evening service
Feb. 7 - Acts 6 banquet - we will be serving dinner to the deacons, their wives and the widows of our church family. (afterward we will decorate for Sunday's banquet
Feb. 8 - Valentine's Banquet - Church wide spaghetti dinner. Youth department fund raiser for camp. (if you are going to camp, be there to help serve)