January 10, 2010
Volume XXIX - Number 2

How Old Are You?
Jerrie Barber

When asked about one's age, some people lie, some deny, and some camouflage the true number. But anyone who is living is getting older. What can my attitude be toward increasing age?

Appreciate Individuals, Not Age Groups

It is unwise to make a general statement about infants, pre-schoolers, teenagers, young adults, middle-agers, or old folks. Every person is worth more than all the world-regardless of age (Matthew 16:26).

Youth has the advantage of energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and usually a longer time to develop potential.

Older years bring added happiness if the increased age is accompanied by wisdom, pleasant memories, and service to God. "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31).

Let us look for the best in each person we meet., recognize it, encourage it, and try to develop it regardless of the age of the individual.

We Are Becoming the Person We Will Be

Some day most of us will meet an old person. He may be grumpy, ill-tempered, and hard to get along with. Or he may be gracious, wise, and helpful. But the good news is that I can choose this person that I must live with, because that person will be me. You and I are becoming the person we will be.

Tennyson expressed it this way:

Ah, what shall I be at fifty
Should nature keep me alive,
If I find the world so bitter
When I am but twenty-five?

Live Today, Content

Recalling the "good ol' days" is not a new practice. "Do not say, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For you do not inquire wisely concerning this" (Ecclesiastes 7:10).

All of our time and thoughts should not be on the future to the exclusion of being productive today (Matthew 6:34).

We should serve well today, regardless of the number of birthdays. "For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11).

Years ago, a little boy wrote a man and ended the letter with the statement, "I hope you live all your life." This can only be done when we thank God for today and today's opportunities and eliminate the excuses, "I'm too old," or "I'm too young."

Rather we can say, "Thank God, I am alive. I will do what I can today."

Men's Breakfast
The monthly Men's Breakfast is scheduled to be held at the South Florida Avenue congregation in Lakeland on this coming Saturday morning (16th) at 8am. All of our men are invited to attend. Note also that the Florida School of Preaching Lectureship begins there on the following Monday (18th).

FSOP Lectureship Books
Copies of the 2010 Florida School of Preaching Lectureship book, "Do You Understand Expediency?", are available for purchase ($16.00) in the foyer. See Dotty Gutzler.

SELECTION OF DIRECTORS
To comply with state regulations and our corporate by-laws, an annual meeting and selection of directors/ officers must be conducted each year. This will be done immediately following the morning worship service January 31, 2010. Current officers are:
     Bob Faneuf (president);
     Bill Norton (secretary);
     Bob Bauer (vice- president).
Nominations will be accepted until the annual meeting and may also be made from the floor at the meeting. However, the nominees willingness to accept must be presented to the president prior to the meeting. A final slate of nominees will be presented at the meeting.

Our Pantry
The Food Program fed 31 families this past Thursday, for a total of 78 people. We need the following items in order to restock:

  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Green Beans
  • Corn
  • Peanut Butter
  • Raimen Noodles

Please help as much as you are able.
TODAY'S SERMONS

AM:  "Symptoms Associated with the Rejecting of God"
(Isaiah 1:2-3)

PM: "The Reliability of the New Testament"
(2 Peter 3:14-16)

PRAYER LIST

Micky Bell, Heidi West, Barbara Deel,
Trevor West, George Cook, Patricia Ratliff,
Juanita Murphy, Evelyn Haiflich,
Lucy Blackman, Wanda Greene,
Ralph Gentry, Teresa Phillips,
Lynda Waters, Chris Eberling,
Haskel DeBord, Luther Pendergrass,
Minnie Lee Stout, Jonathon DeWalt,
Riley Parker, Vivian Bently, Zach Mathis

– Shut Ins –
Pansy Sims, Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
John Baker, Mattie Hughs

– In The Nursing Homes –
Mona Howard (Springlake),
Jim Huggins (A,dale Oaks)