MOTHER’S DAY

Posted on May 10, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

mothers-day2“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30 (ESV)

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MAY 11, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on May 10, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

GUEST SPEAKER

Next Sunday morning, May 18th, Jordan Fontenot will be our guest speaker in Bible class and worship. He will bring a report on his recent mission trip to Jamaica. We are looking forward to what he will share with us.

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, May 21st, at 6:30 pm in the Library for their assignments.

HEART OF TEXAS BIBLE CAMP 2014

Session 1: June 8-13 — Grades 4-8 Virgil Webb, Director

Session 2: June 15-20 — Grades 8-12 Robert Baugh, Director

Tuition is $125.00, T-shirt is included.

A $25.00 Application Fee must accompany an application form. Balance of $100.00 due upon arrival at camp.  If there are some of our young people who are interested in attending any of these sessions, let the elders know.  If there is any interest from our members to sponsor our young people for any of those sessions, please, let the elders know.  We did this last year, and those who attended where greatly blessed by the camp experiences. Can we do it again?

WITH SYMPATHY

Jerrell Walker, the favorite uncle of Bob Foster, died on Tuesday, May 6th, in a pedestrian/car accident. Services took place in Winters on Friday, May 9th, under the direction of Winters Funeral Home with burial in Shep Cemetery.  In sympathy, our love and prayers go out to Bob, Doris and all the relatives and friends.

Jimmy Hall, the cousin of Sherry Wills, passed away on Sunday, May 4th. Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 8th, at the Edgar & Jenkins Funeral Home in Burnett. Interment followed at the Bear Creek Cemetery.  Our condolences and love go out to Sherry and those who loved Jimmy. Special prayers are requested for the immediate family, esp. Jimmy’s wife, Brenda, who suffers from a difficult health problem.

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PUTTING LOVE INTO PRACTICE

Posted on May 1, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

2014 April IPhone 003The following story seen in “Sunshine Magazine” about a professor of psychology illustrates how difficult it is to love others.

Although he had no children of his own, whenever he saw a neighbor scolding a child for some wrongdoing, he would say, “YOU SHOULD LOVE YOUR BOY, NOT PUNISH HIM.” One hot summer afternoon the professor was doing some repair work on the concrete driveway leading to his garage. Tired out after several hours or work, he laid down the trowel, wiped the perspiration from his forehead, and started toward the house. Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a mischievous little boy putting his foot into the fresh cement. He rushed over, grabbed him, and was about to spank him severely, when a neighbor leaned from the window and said, “WATCH IT, PROFESSOR! DON’T YOU REMEMBER? YOU MUST ‘LOVE’ THE CHILD”! At this, the professor yelled back furiously, “I DO LOVE HIM IN THE ABSTRACT, BUT NOT IN THE CONCRETE!”

Is this not true? It is so easy to love people “in the abstract.” It is so easy to talk about love and the importance of love. What is much more difficult is to love people in “CONCRETE” ways, especially when we are dealing with people who are very unlovable, who have been unkind and irritating to us.

So love is not something for us to just talk about — it is something for us to DEMONSTRATE in ways that are demanding on us. We need to ask ourselves penetrating question like: Why do I think the other person is unkind? Why does his or her behavior irritate me? What is in me to make me have this response? Do we (I) really understand what “love” is all about? In 1 John 3:16-18 we find an indication: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his bother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words of tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Beyond the need for material things, there are needs in the emotional, mental and spiritual realm where a brother is “needy”. Where he needs help, where questions need to be asked and in a prayerful setting problems are addressed and godly solutions are found. To “lay down one’s life”, esp. in this setting, is not an easy task, neither is it a superficial activity. It is a difficult and, very often, a soul-saving task that requires selflessness, true dedication and deep spiritual commitment. May we all strife to reach that level of maturity. — BULLETIN DIGEST

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MAY 6, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on May 1, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

REMINDER OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, May 6th: Focal Point Workshop, special session for Elders at University church of Christ in San Marcos.

VISITING FOR THE MASTER -VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Teri & Joe Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, May 7th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Saturday, May 17th: Central Texas Elderlink Seminar at Georgetown church of Christ.

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THE ART OF GIVING PRAISE

Posted on April 26, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

2014 April IPhone 002Psychologists tell us that one of the deepest urges in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to the happiness and success of others when we express appreciation for their worth and work.

We are also advised that the giving of sincere praise brings out outstanding benefits to the one who gives it. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to our own happiness and success when we express appreciation for others.

Observation teaches us that the most successful people have mastered the art of giving praise. Giving honest praise is like “saying grace” at the table…very difficult to start, if it hasn’t been a pattern! Here are some guidelines to get one started:

1. Look for little things for which you can express appreciation. We tend to wait for colossal achievements before uttering one word of commendation or encouragement. Rare and refreshing is the person who goes on a “treasure hunt” searching for little things to praise.

2. Look for things close at hand for which you can express appreciation. The human tendency is to see glamour in things at a distance and defects in things close at hand. It doesn’t take much sense to find fault with things and people close by. Conversely, it requires sensitive perception to detect the genuine worth of nearby treasures.

3. Voice your appreciation. It isn’t that we don’t appreciate others…it’s just that, for some unknown (or maybe, even known!) reason, we are hesitant to voice that feeling. It is necessary to say nice things to have them do good…not merely think them! When we don’t praise quickly, the impulse often fades away.

It may well be that one of the greatest duties you can perform this day will be speaking a word of appreciation.~~ John Gibson, Glad Tidings, Good Things Volume 14/July 10, 2008

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APRIL 27, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on April 26, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Baptism

We were overjoyed last Sunday, when Ellie Winnett decided to put on her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in baptism. Ellie is the wife of Jonathan Winnett and the daughter-in-law of Joe & Teri Winnett. We know that God and the angels rejoiced, too! We pray God’s richest blessings on you, Ellie, and wish you a long and productive life in the service of our Savior.

With Sympathy

Don Nichols, the uncle of Jan Maxwell, passed away on Saturday, April 19th. He lived in Knott, Texas. Graveside services took place on Tuesday in Big Springs.  Out condolences, prayers and love go out to Jan & Kynn Maxwell, family and friends.

Please check . . .

. . . the “Continue to Remember” list and the “In The Military” list periodically. If you think that your name or the name of a loved one needs to be removed (or added), please let the secretary (Helga) know! And as always, a written note is best. Your help is very, very much appreciated!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, April 27th Our Monthly Fellowship Meal….

….as always, after our evening worship assembly. Hosts & hostesses are: Pat DeVore, Sherry Wills, Mary Smith and Vicky & James Williams.

Ladies Bible Class

The Ladies’ Class will have its last session before summer break next Wednesday, April 30th. Instead of a luncheon (after the regular 10 am class) the ladies will go to Gattis’ Pizza at 11:30 am. The ladies, who have been attending all year, cordially invite the ladies who were unable to attend, for some reason or another, to join them at Gattis’ to eat and enjoy fellowship together.

Saturday, May3rd: Cherokee Day — Barbeque & Fellowship

The elders are planning to send a contribution from the congregation; if you would like to additionally contribute to this amount, please give your donation to an elder by April 30th.  Also Cherokee Day is a great day to visit the Home and its staff and especially the children we help support.

Tuesday, May 6th: Focal Point Workshop

A special session for the Elders will be held on that day at University church of Christ in San Marcos.

Visiting for the Master

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Teri & Joe Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, May 7th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Saturday, May 17th Central Texas Elderlink Seminar at Georgetown church of Christ.

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HE IS GOD! AND I AM NOT!

Posted on April 19, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Many people will say about their situation, “If these four things work out, I will know it is God’s will!” It might be suggested that if this is God’s will, those four things will work out. The key is God, not circumstances.

In Genesis 17:17-18, Abraham still wrestles with the promise that God has made to him concerning the birth of a son to him and his wife Sarah. God patiently and lovingly knew Abraham’s heart, and assured him that it would be from Sarah that the son of promise would come “at this set time next year” (Genesis 17:21) – in God’s “fullness of time.” God is God and Abraham was not! God knew this, and now Abraham knew this. It was settled.

Has God convinced you that He is God, and you are not? That realization will shape the rest of your life. We will never enter His Presence without this strong awareness. With that realization we will never argue with God, or demand of God, or doubt God. We will not fuss with God or debate with God. He is God! And I am not! Therefore, we will choose to let Him be God in and through our lives. We will consistently stand amazed at God’s consistent blessings in our lives and in those of our families!

This means that at every point in our lives, we only have one decision to make – is this clearly God’s will? If it is, confirm it and proceed. There are always a hundred details to work out. But we can be, and always should be, confident that since we know His will, each and all of these details He will work out or help us to work out in our lives.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

What do you think?

Thoughts from reading “A Fresh Encounter with God” by Henry T. Blackaby (Created to Be God’s Friend) — via Ken Darnell

 

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APRIL 20, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on April 19, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

UPCOMING EVENTS

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, April 23rd, at 6:30 pm in the Library for their assignments.

For the Ladies: Heart of Texas Ladies Retreat!

The 36th Annual Ladies Retreat at the Heart of Texas Bible Camp will be on April 25th —26th in Brady. Check the informational flyer on the bulletin board.

Next Sunday, April 27th, Will Be Our Fellowship Meal, as always, after our evening worship assembly. Hosts & hostesses will be: Pat DeVore, Sherry Wills, Mary Smith and Vicky & James Williams.

Wednesday, April 30th: Annual Alzheimer Symposium(flyer on the bulletin board)

Saturday, May3rd: Cherokee Day — Barbeque & Fellowship(the elders are planning to send $1,000; if you would like to contribute to this amount, please give your donation to an elder).

Tuesday, May 6th: Focal Point Workshop, special session for Elders at University church of Christ in San Marcos.

Saturday, May 17th: Central Texas Elderlink Seminar at Georgetown church of Christ.  A workshop flyer is on the bulletin board!

Food Pantry Needs

Needed items include personal hygiene products and peanut butter. Also, plastic bags are needed at this time.

WITH SYMPATHY

Memorial services for Jamie Samantha Smith, youngest daughter of Janet Fietz and step-father Myron Fietz, were held at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus, OK., on Monday, April 14th. Samantha had passed away on April 10th, at her residence, in Altus. After cremation, burial took place in Texas. Our most heartfelt love, prayers and condolences go out to Janet, Myron and granddaughter Savannah. May God bless all in the family as they deal with the grief of Samantha’s untimely death.

Alice Houston passed away on Saturday, April 12th. Services for her will be on Tuesday, April 22nd. After cremation, there will be a short graveside at the Llano cemetery at 11:30 am. After a luncheon at the Llano church of Christ annex, there will be a memorial service at the church’s auditorium.  Our love, prayers and condolences go out, especially, to Alice’s good friend, Henry Lee, and to all in the family. May God be a comfort to all.

We learned last week that Edith Watson, sister of former member, Betty Basye, and sister-in-law of Kenneth, had passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, April 10th. Edith had suffered for many years with Alzheimer disease. A memorial service has tentatively been scheduled for June 7th, at a church of Christ in Leander.  We are sending our love, prayers for God’s comfort, and our heartfelt sympathy to Betty, Ken and all the relatives and friends.

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CHURCH SHOPPING

Posted on April 11, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

“…the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

It seems that more people today are challenging traditional affiliations. For instance, a 2013 Gallup Poll has determined that 40% of American voters consider themselves to be Independent (www.gallup.com). This is the highest number ever of those not expressing an alliance with the Democratic or Republican Party.

This trend toward change from traditional institutions is seen in religion as well. In a 2009 study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, it was discovered that 44% of Americans have changed faiths (Time Magazine, April 28, 2009). The traditional religion of a family is apparently no longer a sound predictor of the religion of its descendants. The church where Mother and Dad were members is no longer as strong of an influence as it used to be. “Church shopping” is more widely practiced than ever before.

This does not have to be a “bad” trend. Jesus condemned the tendency of religious practice being determined solely by tradition. He said to the Pharisees and scribes of His day, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition” (Matthew 15:3)? If it were not for the willingness of some people to break from tradition, the restoration movement would’ve never begun in America.

Much of the church–shopping today, however, is not done as a search for greater truth, but as the pursuit of personal preferences. As such, physical facilities, church programs and the general makeup of the membership are chosen over sound biblical doctrine. Insignificant matters are weighed heavier in people’s decisions than the timeless foundations of true religion.

The Bible says that the true church is “the pillar and support of the truth”. Notice, it does not say a truth, but the truth. The biblical church is going to be the one that upholds and defends not its individual perception of truth, but the one and only truth of God. The truth rather than a truth. The true church is not going to use public opinion to construct its doctrine that defines it.

Therefore, if you choose to go church-shopping today, before you begin, open your Bible. Find out from God what the church is like. Let the New Testament determine membership in the church, worship, church organization and morality. Let GOD dictate to YOU the pattern for HIS church. Don’t be found dictating to GOD what you want it to be! — Floyd Kaiser, Southwest church of Christ, Ada, OK

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APRIL 13, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on April 11, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

UPCOMING EVENTS

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

(VISITATION PROGRAM) Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, April 23rd, at 6:30 pm in the Library for their assignment

For the Ladies: Heart of Texas Ladies Retreat!

The 36th Annual Ladies Retreat at the Heart of Texas Bible Camp will be on April 25th -26th in Brady. The Speaker will be Cynthia Suggs, her lesson will be: “Past, Present, and Future as Women of God.” The cost for one day is $15.00 and for the two days $20.00. The retreat starts out on Friday evening and continuous on Saturday with breakfast, morning session and lunch at 12:00. Registration deadline by mail is April 23rd, by fax/ phone, April 25th. More information can be obtained in Ladies Class or from the flyer on the bulletin board.

Wednesday, April 30th: Annual Alzheimer Symposium (flyer on the bulletin board)

Saturday, May3rd: Cherokee Day — Barbeque & Fellowship (the elders are planning to send $1,000; if you would like to contribute to this amount, please give your donation to an elder).

Tuesday, May 6th: Focal Point Workshop, special session for Elders at University church of Christ in San Marcos.

Saturday, May 17th: Central Texas Elderlink Seminar at Georgetown church of Christ.

Heart of Texas Bible Camp 2014

Session 1: June 8-13 — Grades 4-8 Virgil Webb, Director

Session 2: June 15-20 — Grades 8-12 Robert Baugh, Director

Tuition is $125.00, T-shirt is included.

A $25.00 Application Fee must accompany an application form. Balance of $100.00 due upon arrival at camp. If there are some of our young people who are interested in attending any of these sessions, let the elders know. If there is any interest from our members to sponsor our young people for any of those sessions, please, let the elders know.  We did this last year, and those who attended where greatly blessed by the camp experiences. Can we do it again?

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