Change and Reflection

Hello and good Thursday evening to each of you. I hope your week has been going well and full of blessings from God. He is so good and we are very unworthy of His love. Alas, He knew we would make mistakes. With that thought in mind, He sent His Son to die upon a cross so many years ago. As February comes to a close, March brings in a new month of promise and hope. During the month of March we will celebrate Easter. A time of renewal and reflection. A time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

Speaking of reflection, I have been looking back on the moments from my past. With those reflections I am reminded of how truly blessed I am. As I visit the "days of old", I reflect on being a part of the North FBC youth group and all the fun we had. I recall those people we grew up with and developed lasting friendships that have stood the test of time. Not all people are that fortunate.

God brings people into our lives to help open our eyes to things we may not see otherwise. Whether it's for a season or a lifetime. We need to savor every moment we have on this earth. Savor them and make them count. It's very difficult to go back into the past and make changes. Change begins right now, in this very second/minute. All to often people find themselves saying "We'll have a baby when we have more money". Or "There's plenty of time to find that special someone to spend the rest of your life with". When we pass up gifts that God has sent to us in whatever form they might be in at the time, we may be passing up our only chance to right a past wrong or share God's love with another.

We should always be on our toes; because others are watching, waiting for us to stumble and fall. We need to rely on God to supply us with the strength we need to weather the storms of life. He knows what's best for today and always. We need to be trusting in His perfect will for our lives.

As I said before, I recall the times of fun and fellowship shared while part of the youth group. I remember growing up in this little town of North and making friendships that have lasted a very long while. I have made a lot of friends along the way and am thankful for each and every one of them.

I remember times of hanging out "under the trees" and just talking and laughing with those who were there. Some very good frienships began there as well as at church. We had a grand ol' time! There are days that I really miss those times; but pages must be turned so the story can be continued. I look back on my life and the things I have done along the way. As I take that look back, I am very happy to say that I have no regrets about anything that happened. Each thing contributed it's own unique mark and enriched my life so much more.

I could go on forever about all the blessings God has put in my life. From the family whom I dearly love and I know they feel the same about me, to the friendships formed over the years whether at church or otherwise.

Granted, I am not always the type of friend I should be. I have developed some bad habits in that department. Behaviors that only I can change. Including being away from church for so long.

A co-worker/friend and I were talking the other day about the power of prayer, how a collective group decides on the destination for their mission trip each year, and how others seem to be more content in the life they are leading. We both know that happiness can't come from others. It is something that must come from within and from God. We also realize that we sometimes choose to disobey the direction God would have us go. When we do that, it can come across as we are rebelling against God and His master design for our lives. That is a statement I think may be an accurate one. We need to stop looking for that thing we think will make us happy and focus on God and His perfect will for our lives. He won't steer us in the wrong direction.

I would sit here and type a list of all the people who made a positive impact on my life, but the list would be rather long and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out.

When we get testy with other people for whatever reason, we may be missing out on a chance to tell someone about God's love. As Christians, we don't want to give others the wrong idea and we definitely don't want to display unChristian-like behavior. I am forever being reminded of how sharp my tongue can be. I don't really think I need to have that explained to me over and over again. When people criticize another in that fashion, they should remember to take a long, hard look at themselves before they "judge" someone else.

Anyway, I guess I will close for now. I apologize for not writing more often than I do. I will try and do better.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)

Events for the Week

Hello and good Saturday evening to each of you. I wanted to take a few minutes to update you on some things that will be taking place this week. Remember to mark your calendar so you won't forget!

Tomorrow (2/10/08) will be a busy day for our Minister of Students. The youth committee will meet tomorrow afternoon from 12:15pm-2pm. Then the children's committee will meet from 3:30pm-4:45pm.

The youth will be gearing up to head to SummerSalt at White Oak Conference Center the week of June 23rd-27th. If you would like more information, please see our Minister of Students. He will be happy to assist you.

The newsletter deadline is Friday, Feb. 15th. Please have the items you would like mentioned in the March newsletter turned in by 9am.

The children will be heading to the bowling alley Sat., Feb. 17th. I am sure they will have a memorable time. It has been ages since I've bowled. Was never very good at it. In some instances I would prefer to walk to the end of the alley and knock all the pins over with my hands. It would certainly give me a better score if that was possible. :-) On the other hand, it isn't the winning that matters. It's about having a good time and enjoying the time spent with those in attendance.

Men's breakfast will be held next Sunday, Feb. 16th at 8am in the fellowship hall. All the men of our church are invited to attend. Feel free to invite a male friend who might enjoy a time of food and fellowship with a group of gentleman who love the Lord and their church.

February 22nd marks the WinterJam Concert for our youth. Remember to mark the date on your calendar. For more information, please see our Minister of Students.

The youth will also have SNAC (Sunday Nights after Church) on Sunday, Feb. 24th. Just a reminder.....they do still have the whopper. :-)

Before I forget....choir practice for the youth is held on Monday nights. Practice begins at 6pm. If you know of a young person who would like to join the youth choir, now's a good time to invite them to join you.

It is my understanding that the adult choir has started practicing for the upcoming Easter cantata. As always, I am sure everyone in attendance will receive a blessing. If you would like to be a part of this worship experience with music, choir practice is held each Wednesday night immediately following prayer meeting.

With that thought in mind......Wed. night supper begins at 6pm. Followed by prayer meeting and the other organizational meetings (GA's, Acteens, RA's). This Wed., Feb. 13th will be the churchwide birthday celebration for those having a birthday this month. Everyone is invited to join in the time of food, fun and fellowship.

Don't forget to tell your loved ones (family, friends, etc) how much they mean to you this Thursday. Yes, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Very hard to believe. It wasn't so long ago we were celebrating Christmas. While Valentine's day is a good time to let those nearest and dearest to you know how much they mean to you........we shouldn't wait for a special occasion to tell others that we love them. Make a point to do so everyday! Your life as well as the lives of those you are a part of will be richly blessed in a whole new way. God doesn't withhold His love for us until a special day and neither should we!

I believe that covers all I have for now. Take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)

The Language of Love

Hello and good Sunday evening to each of you. I hope things have been going well for you all. February is shaping up to be a busy month. Remember to post your newsletter calendar in a good place so you don't miss out on any of the activities.

The youth are busy watching the Super Bowl in the gym tonight. May the best team win!

Our youth and children have many things in store for them this month. There will be plenty to keep them busy.

The Youth Ministry activities are as follows:

Friday, Feb. 8th the youth will host the XYZ dinner at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall. The gym will be afterwards until 10pm.

The Youth Committee will meet on Sunday, Feb. 10th from 12:15-2pm.

Winter Jam is coming up on Feb. 22nd. Please be sure to see our Minister of Students for more information pertaining to this activity.

SNAC (Sunday Nights After Church) will be heading to Burger King. And yes, they do still serve the Whopper! :-)

The week of June 23rd-27th will find the youth traveling to SummerSalt 2008. Summer camps are always lots of fun and all the youth are encouraged and invited to attend. Those in attendance are sure to receive a blessing.

The Children's Ministry will be equally busy. Their activities are as follows:

Saturday, Feb. 9th: Open Gym from 10am-12pm for children in grades 1st-5th grade.

The Children's Committee will have a meeting on Sunday, Feb. 10th from 3:30-4:45pm.

Saturday, Feb. 16th will find the children on their way to the bowling alley. This should be a lot of fun!

Don't forget to check the Student Ministry website for current happenings, etc. pertaining to our youth and children. The link to the website is: www.fbcnsm.blogspot.com.

The 2nd monthly birthday celebration will take place this Wed., Feb. 6th. Anyone having a birthday this month are invited to be in attendance. Happy birthday to each of you!

The deadline for the newsletter is Friday, Feb. 15th. Please see the church office should you have anything you would like to contribute to the newsletter.

Sunday, Feb. 17th will be Men's breakfast at 8am. The men always enjoy this time of food and fellowship. If you know of a gentleman who would like to participate, please invite them. The door is always open to those seeking a church home.

Valentine's Day is Thursday, Feb. 14th. Don't forget to say "I love you" to those nearest and dearest to you. Every day should be Valentine's Day...not just Feb. 14th. It is never too late or too early to tell someone how much they mean to you!

I believe that covers all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)