“GOD IS HERE: How does God’s involvement in my life allow me to trust Him more?”
This Sunday we will wrap up our study, “In Search of Hope,” an exploration of God’s existence, love and His relationship with us. Remeber, our goal in this study, looking at what we believe and why we believe it, is so we can talk about it.
In preparation for our discussion, read this week’s study in the Learner’s Guide on page 34 (let me know if you need a copy) and the following passages:
(1) Deuteronomy 8:1-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%208:1-10&version=NIV
(2) Psalm 139
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139&version=NIV
(3) Philippians 2:1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:1-11&version=NIV
Consider the following questions:
(1) Do you see God as personally involved and present in your life, or as distant and unconnected?
(2) What keeps you and other people from feeling God’s presence?
Take a look at the article by A. J. McRoberts, “When God is Silent,” from relevantmagazine.com, http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/19595-when-god-is-silent.
I look forward to our discussion on Sunday. Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John

Prayer Requests for week of September 19th

Osborns - Baby Eli will be having some tests done on Thursday to rule out a heart murmur. The drs thought they heard it at the hospital but then weren't so sure yesterday at his first drs appt. Please pray the tests will show there is no murmur and pray for peace for Ashlee and Jason as they wait for the results. (Care Calendar will be set up to start meals beginning next Monday. I'll email info on how to access it and sign up)

Whitakers - Please continue to pray for the Whitakers as they work through some issues with their marriage.

Ingrams - Terry's friend, Matt and his wife, continue to try to work to save their marriage. Pray for Terry as he ministers to Matt.

Picnic Pictures

Here are the pics we took during the Picnic at Chandler Park. We had a great time and missed those of you who were unable to attend.

“GOD OF LOVE: IF GOD IS LOVING, WHY DOES HE ALLOW EVIL AND SUFFERING?”
As we discussed Sunday, I hope you are finding time this week to see God reveal Himself to you in nature and in His Word. This revelation should help us prepare for this next Sunday, when we will tackle a huge topic, the above question. Like a photo mosaic, sometimes it’s hard to see the big picture when we are focused on our own situation. While some are quick to give an answer (such as “God has some purpose in this” or “Something good will come out of this”), in reality, this can be a painful and difficult test. Remember, our purpose in this study is to look at what we believe and why we believe it so we can talk about it.
In preparation for our discussion, read this week’s study in the Learner’s Guide (copies were passed out on Sunday, let me know if you need a copy) and the following passages:
(1) Job 38:1 – 42:9 (The Message) (read this as if you were reading it for the first time and know nothing about the story)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2038:1%20–%2042:9&version=MSG
(2) Romans 8:12-39 (NIV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:12-39&version=NIV
These links are to BibleGateway.com. On that page, you can select the version that you want to read. Notice I have selected The Message for the passage in Job. For more information about The Message, see: http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/.
Take a look at the following:
(1) “Why, God, Why? Facing the painful questions that life keeps asking” by Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Billy Graham, http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/theology/060329.html; and
(2) Blog Post by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, titled “Does God Hate Haiti?,” http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/01/14/does-god-hate-haiti/.
For examples of a photo mosaic, eat at the Hideaway or go to:
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us%3AIE-Address&rlz=1I7GDNA_en&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=photo+mosaic&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
I look forward to our discussion on Sunday. Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John

Homebuilder's Picnic

Okay everyone - Cindy and I staked out the potential area's for the picnic last night. There are several pavilions to choose from, and Tatum helped us pick our top choices. We will find out Saturday for sure which pavilion we will be at. Since we decided not to pay to reserve the pavilion, when you arrive at Chandler please look for signs to guide you to the pavilion that we are going to be at that day. That being said, Cindy and I will be bringing trash bags for 'smocks' and painting supplies for the kids. Of course there will be plenty of areas for them to run as well so Cindy will bring a t-ball set too. Zach will be bringing a football in case any of you gentleman are feeling young! I will be bringing a five gallon drink cooler with water and possibly one with Strawberry Lemonade. There is an area to set up horseshoes if anyone has a set (comment below if you can bring one) and we welcome any other ideas for outside games - just comment below if you have any ideas. We can't wait to see you all on Saturday - it looks like we will have a beautiful, sunny day in the park.

Andrea Dolan

Praises and Prayer Requests for the week of Sept 12th

Waldens - Please pray for Allison and Chris to sell their house in Ft. Smith. It has been on the market for 15 months now.

Langleys - Courtney's cousin, Scott, is going through chemo for treatment of a brain tumor. Pray for healing and provision for him.

Ingrams - Cindy's Nana is in ICU recovering from numerous health complications. Also continue to pray for Terry's friend, Matt, as he tries to work on saving his marriage. Pray for Terry as he ministers to Matt.

Dolans - You read the big praise from Andrea that the lymph node removed from their friend, Brad, was not cancer. Yea God! Please pray for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Elmores- I had asked you several weeks ago to pray for Baby Ella who was born with some very serious heart defects and had surgery. She was able to leave the hospital on Friday for a trial 'going home test'. She was with her parents at the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas in anticipation of returning to OKC hopefully very soon. Her parents, Amy and Jon, are only 22 and have no health insurance. Jon is a self employed home remodeler. Baby Ella continues to do well but please continue to pray for this precious family.

Update on Triplett's

Brad's wife let me know that they got back part of the results from his lymph node biopsy last Thursday. The praise report is that it is NOT Cancer! This is amazing that he received results this fast. They still do not have the full results so they are not sure what exactly he has, but this is amazing news. Knowing that he does not have Cancer will make waiting until the 27Th for the full results from the biopsy much more bearable. They wanted me to extend their thanks for the continued prayers.

Andrea Dolan