I Am Thankful for:

●The taxes I pay, because it means I'm employed.
● My huge heating bill, because it means I'm warm.
● The clothes that fit a little too snug, because that means I have enough to eat.
● The spot I f ind at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking.
● All the complaining I hear about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
● The person behind me in church who sings off key, because it means I can hear.
● The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means I'm alive.
● The weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been productive.
● The mistakes I make, because I am reminded I have a Father who loves me and forgives me.

Sometime ago there was a faithful dog, who was a constant companion of a small child.

One day, both dog and child disappeared. A diligent search by parents, friends, and neighbors proved to be fruitless. The child could not be found.

After several hours the dog returned home, but he was covered with blood. The father jumped to the conclusion that the dog had become vicious and killed the child. The dog must be destroyed, so he got his gun and killed the dog.

A little later, the child was found in the woods unharmed. Nearby was the body of a panther that the dog had killed in his struggle to protect the child.

POINT OF THE STORY? So often we are guilty of "conclusion jumping." We take action, or at least express our opinion before we consider all the facts. The result is usually unpleasant and at times irreparable damage is done.

So, we need to be careful about what we think, say, or do. We may be guilty of shooting a dog that ought to be praised!

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1: 19-20).❦

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School was held here at Orange Street last week and by all accounts was a great success. If you couldn’t be here for any of the sessions, be sure to check the web-site for photos, etc. of the various nights activities. Attendance was as follows:

MONDAY...........................83
TUESDAY..........................80
WEDNESDAY..................106
THURSDAY........................68

Those who worked so hard to make it all happen are to be commended on a job well done.

Teachers Invited
There will be a teachers appreciation dinner tonight after the evening services at Quincey’s Restaurant in Winter Haven. This dinner is to show appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication they put into our education program. All teachers and their families are invited to attend as honored guests.

Pantry Item
Keep in mind that this month’s pantry item is canned fruit. Do your part to keep our pantry well stocked for the times when needs arise.

A poll taken last year revealed some startling facts.

  1. Less than half could name three of the Ten Commandments.
  2. Only half of those who attended chur ch can name the four gospels.
  3. Less than half know who delivered the Sermon on the Mount.
  4. One in eight teenagers read the Bible daily.
  5. Thirty-one percent cannot remember when they read the Bible last.

How well would we do?

If one becomes a criminal by breaking the law of the land, then one who breaks the law of God, at that moment, becomes a spiritual criminal.

UPCOMING AREA EVENTS:

• Sept 29 - Oct 2 - Gospel Meeting
Orange Street church of Christ
Guest Speaker - Jimmy Clark
Start Making Plans Now