West Main

OUR  WATERY  BODY

The wonders of water are many, with its three phases – gaseous, liquid, and solid – all having a part in allowing man’s existence here on earth. These blessings extend from temperature control of the earth to the foundation of all of our food production. In this writing we will now move our focus to the bodies that house our spirits. Not only does water make up seventy percent of our fleshly person, but it is the basis for most of the chemistry that goes on inside of us, and much more.

Our blood, mostly salty water, carries oxygen and nutrients to our working parts. It also has a high heat capacity and carries waste heat from the food-burning fires that power our bodies to surface areas of our skin, where it is discarded by infrared radiation and sweat evaporation.

In this respect we are not unlike the heat engines we build to do our work, for the second law of thermodynamics demands that we must always waste a part of the heat we harness to produce work. Without this heat release, our bodies would shut down like an overheated car with a failed radiator.

Water is ideal as a medium for chemical reactions. It is a marvelous solvent and therefore allows ready molecular contact for dissolved chemicals. It has been indispensable in laboratory studies of chemistry. And the physical and reactive chemistry that goes on inside of our bodies should interest us as well. Without the role of water in the inner world of our cells, our bodies could not utilize food or discard fecal and urinal waste.

Diffusion describes how tiny bits of matter can travel across boundaries, powered by their thermal motion. Some may remember when this natural happening was first harnessed in the manufacture of transistors. Energy consuming vacuum tubes in radio circuits were replaced with these tiny crystals that did not need power beyond that of ordinary temperatures and low electrical voltages. The search for the ideal base material for transistors finally settled on silicon. In the case of an ideal material for diffusion processes in our body, our gracious Creator gave us water.

The viscosity of water is just right to support the gentle action that allows cell wall penetrations of nutrients and waste without cell damage. Physical chemists have noted that if water were thicker and more viscous, the diffusion would be too slow. If it were less viscous, cell damage would occur.

When we reflect on the watery blood that circulates through our arteries, veins and capillaries, we are reminded of how much this circulatory system resembles the complex design of water currents in the oceans of our earth. In both cases, these systems provide temperature moderation and the transport of nutrients. Perfect designs are worth using again and again, and help us to catch a glimpse of our provident Creator.

– James Gibbs

Our Angel Tree is at the back of the auditorium. Check it out to see how you can help a family in need. There are lists for food items to bring as well. If you would prefer to give a cash donation, please give it to Brian. All items need to be at the building by this Sunday, December 16. For more information please see Brian.

Tuesday Morning Ladies Class We will resume our class on Tuesday, January 8. Please mark your calendars for our beginning date in the New Year!

Bulletin News: No Wednesday Bulletin will be published on December 26. If you have any news or announcements that need to be published for the latter part of December or for the early part of January, please have those announcements turned into the office by Tuesday, December 18, for publication on December 19.

Upcoming Seminar: January 25-27  -- Our focus will be on “Faith and Social Media.” Please be watching for details in the coming weeks.

PRAYER REQUESTS . . . Lillian Casebier as she recovers from some fractured bones...Evelyn Bates has not been feeling well...Jenny Way requests prayers for her parents while they are on vacation - that they will be safe and that she will be able to function okay while they are gone...For Janice Young who is being evaluated for a stroke-she is in Room 5366 at RVMC...Leilla Sparks is scheduled to have surgery this week - please pray for a quick and complete recovery...For Robert Kavalecz who has stage 4 stomach cancer and will be undergoing aggressive chemo...David Mayes requests prayers for his friends, Cora - for spiritual growth; for Mike Shetire and Barbara to accept Christ; for Brandi who is ill; for Michelle who has cerebral palsy and for himself to be a Christlike example...For our President and all of our military men, women, and their families.

Coffee Fellowship Service  --  We need volunteers for 2013! Please sign up on the list posted on the bulletin board in the front entryway by the stairs. All help is greatly appreciated!

Nursery Help Needed  -- With the coming year, we have a new calendar to fill for our attended nursery. This is a service we can provide for our families with small children. If you are able to serve, please consider a couple of Sundays together. Please contact Diane Liles to reserve your dates.

Lost  -- Thelva Purtle has lost her Bible here at church. It is in a black carry case. If you have seen it, please contact her or turn it in to the office.

Calendar of Events

Dec 15: Christmas Program; 6:00 p.m.;

              Finger food fellowship following program.

Dec 16: All items for the Angel Tree need to be at the building by this date.

Dec 23: Candlelight Devotional at the Building; 6:00 p.m.