06/10/2015
The Imboden UMC Family Weekly Update
For Week Beginning June 7, 2015
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Excerpt from To Heaven and Back by Mary C. Neal, M.D.
“Even the most terrible circumstances and events can stimulate great change in individuals and/or societies. Without observing cruelty, we would not be moved to compassion. Without personal trials, we would not develop patience or faithfulness. It is the recognition that our earthly concerns matter little when compared to eternal life that allows us to know joy in the midst of sorrow and worry. Have you ever really changed or experienced personal growth during times of comfort or complacency? The acceptance that change rarely comes without difficulty and challenge can truly free a person to “rejoice always.” It also allows us to live daily with a grateful heart and “give thanks in all circumstances.” No matter what the circumstances, we can be grateful that God fulfills His promises, that our faith is sufficient to sustain us, and that our eternal life is assured.”
I say Amen!!!
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Love Offering in Memory of Noah Daniel Walker
The green bowl will be out in the front of the sanctuary to collect a Love Offering in memory of Noah Walker, Bro. Dan & Peggy’s grandson, who was called home to Heaven on May 25, 2015. The monies will be given to Bro. Dan & Peggy to be used as they see fit. Collections are being taken up to help Noah’s mother, Holly Roach, pay for his funeral, to donate to the Art Club at Nettleton High School (Noah was a gifted artist) or, we thought, Bro. Dan may want to put it toward the video monitors for the sanctuary. The green bowl will be out this week and next week. Thank you for your gifts of love at this time of sorrow.
Please keep the Noah Daniel Walker Family in your prayers.
This is my wish for you:
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Faith so that you can believe,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life.
--Anonymous
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If you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep. Talk to the Shepherd!
The Priest & the Taxi Driver
A priest and a taxi driver both died and went to Heaven. St. Peter was at the Pearly Gates waiting for them.
“Come with me,” said St. Peter to the taxi driver.
The taxi driver did as he was told and followed St. Peter to a mansion. It had everything you could imagine from an Olympic size swimming pool to a bowling alley.
“Oh, my word. Thank you.” Said the taxi driver.
Next, St. Peter led the priest to a rough old shack with a bunk bed and a little old television set.
“Wait, I think you are a little mixed up,” said the priest. “Shouldn’t I be the one who gets the mansion? After all, I was a priest, went to church every day and preached God’s word.”
“Yes, that’s true,” St. Peter rejoined. “But during your sermons, people slept. When the taxi driver drove, everyone prayed.”
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Forest Gump and St. Peter
When Forest Gump died, he stood at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter said, “Welcome, Forest. We’ve heard a lot about you.” He continued, “Unfortunately, it’s getting pretty crowded up here and we find that we now have to give people an entrance examination before we let them in.”
“Okay,” said Forest. “I hope it’s not too hard. I’ve already been through a test. My momma used to say, ‘Life is like a final exam. It’s hard.’”
“Yes, Forest, I know. But this test is only three questions. Here they are.”
Which two days of the week begin with the letter ‘T’?
What is God’s first name?
“Well, sir,” said Forest, “The first one is easy. Which two days start with the letter ‘T’? Today and tomorrow.”
St. Peter looked surprised and said, “Well that wasn’t the answer I was looking for, but you have a point. I give you credit for that answer.”
“The next question,” said Forest, “How many seconds are in a year? Twelve.”
“Twelve?” said St. Peter, surprised and confused.
“Yes, sir. January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd…”
St. Peter interrupted him. “I see what you mean. I’ll have to give you credit for that one, too”
“And the last question,” Said Forest, “What is God’s first name? It’s Andy.”
“Andy?” said St. Peter, in shock. “How did you come up with ‘Andy’?”
“I learned it in church. We used to sing about it.” Forest broke into sang, “Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, I am his own.”
St. Peter opened the gate to Heaven and said, “Run, Forest, run!”
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Publisher’s note: This week’s edition is dedicated to the following people:
Bro. Dan & Peggy Walker & Holly Roach
Sandee Martin
Mrs. Viola Meadows
This may not make a frog’s hairs worth of difference, but I wanted y’all to know that you are on my mind, in my heart and my prayers. I love you all dearly and would give everything I own to ease your suffering and afflictions. As I would for all my church family. As always you are in the arms of the angels for I have prayed for the entire church family, but especially for you four---
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” 91:11-12
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To share your news with the family or make comments or share jokes or one-liners, (I’m always looking for material), please contact:
Lacrecia Stater
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 870-869-7971
Cell: 870-810-2688
Janet Smith
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 870-844-0826
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*note from Jay, please comment your thoughts, like if you agree, and share if you believe. Go with God.
