A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path, and the trail was rather difficult. The little girl complained, "Why this isn't a path at all, it's all rocky and bumpy." " Her brother replied, "Sure, the bumps are what you climb on."

That is a remarkable piece of philosophy. What do you do with the bumps on your path of life?

Recently, while reading the story of Lee Iacocca, I was amazed at the success he had achieved, even though the path he walked was full of bumps. The pitfalls that he overcame were inspiring to read. Success only comes by climbing on the bumps.

Hebrews was written to Christians who had been climbing the mountain and were weary from the bumps. The writer told them the key to walking on the mountain tops, "Fix your eyes on Jesus."

Don't let life get you down. Don't allow the rough pathway to cause you to take a detour, rest, or go back. Fix your eyes on Jesus and you will be able to climb on the bumps.

One day Charlie Brown was complaining because his team always lost their games. Lucy tried to console him by saying, “Remember, Charlie Brown, you learn more from your defeats than you do from your victories.” Charlie Brown replied, “That makes me the smartest man in the world!”

God puts balance in our lives – the good with the bad. The key is to not look at ourselves, our circumstances, our troubles, or the bumps in the road – but "fix your eyes on Jesus," and the bumps will be what you climb on.

Duty Sheets

Also Note:
There is also a sign-up sheet for the 2004 Monthly Home Devos. Your cooperation in these matters will be greatly appreciated.

Bridal Shower
There will be a bridal shower, in honor of Delaney Faneuf, Monday, December 15th at 7 p.m. at the North Jackson Avenue church of Christ in Bartow. See the bulletin board for information and a list of what she needs and does not need.

Getting Married
We have also received an invitation to the wedding of Shannon Laine Pennington and Justin A. Hill on Tuesday, December 16, 2003, at 7:02 p.m., at the San Jose church of Christ, in Jacksonville, FL.

Youth Devo
The Youth Group is scheduled to meet tonight after the PM worship. See Matt Faneuf for more details.

We are still in the process of restocking the pantry. This week’s item is canned fruits. Help us keep the pantry filled for those times of need that come up so often this time of year.

F Y I
Take note that is NO Ladies Luncheon and Devotional scheduled for this month. The Ladies will meet again in January.

Happy people are not trying to be happy -- they are trying to be useful. John Mason Brown said, "I know no happy person who lives only for himself ... true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose." "If you would be happy," Jesus said, "give yourself away."