February 6, 2013
WATCHING WHAT YOU SAY
What a game! I know the family here has many 49ers fans, and to you, I offer my deepest condolences. But, regardless of where your allegiance lies, you have to admit…that was a GREAT game!
As I was watching the celebration that ensued afterwards, I caught a moment that many of you, unfortunately may have caught. Baltimore’s start of the day QB, Joe Flacco was on the field celebrating with his team. In the fervor, the camera caught him saying several foul remarks on national television. It wasn’t good.
I am sure that when it was over, he had a message from many close to him reminding him of how to talk, and urging him to “remember people are listening,” and of course “please, watch what you say.”
I want to say the same thing to us today. As Christians, people ARE listening, so I want to urge all of us to watch what we say! I do not, however, mean it in the way that you may think!
Many will hear this, and if they don’t cuss too much, think they are good. It goes way deeper! As Christians, every word from our lips should serve the kingdom of God! And speaking for myself, I know my lips are from this. We must speak with the mouth of love, grace and friendliness!
What does the world see when we argue? What do they hear when we gossip? When we are tearing one another down online about differing views, what must their picture of God be like? Proverbs tells us that those who rein their mouth and tongue keep themselves out of trouble. I would also add that they keep our God from being misunderstood.
Many judgments are made about us based on what we say. Joe Flacco may be the kindest, most gentle man, but all I will remember every time I see him for a long time is a man of foul words. How will our talk paint the picture folks have of us?
Speak love. Speak grace. Speak truth.
– Pannell
WATER'S MOLECULAR PERSONALITY
When atoms link together to form molecules, they do so for the same reason people marry. Whereas individual humans are normally emotionally and physically incomplete, atoms are electrically incomplete. By sharing electrons they can complete their outer shells. This is what happens when two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom link up to form a water molecule.
Also, just as each marriage has its own personality, so also do molecules. If we want to understand how water acts in different situations, it helps if we know some of the details of how the atoms are linked together. In the case of water, the two hydrogen atoms and the one oxygen atom join in a “y” formation that results in one end of the “y” being electrically positive and the other end negative. This polarity, even when in the liquid state, causes water molecules to stick together.
What happens in the small world of molecules can eventually be seen in the larger world where we live. For example, if another surface is wettable, water molecules will play follow-the-leader and climb. This is especially dramatic when surfaces are close together, such as in a tiny tube. This kind of capillary action, inside a tree trunk, can lift up water a hundred feet to nourish its leafy top. This is surprising because atmospheric pressure working against a vacuum can only push water up about twenty-eight feet.
Water’s affinity for other kinds of molecules causes it to be an excellent solvent. It can even tear many other molecules apart such as sodium chloride (salt). It thus provides a mating place for many other chemical reactions, and sustains countless chemical activities in our bodies.
Urine is a good example of its service as a solvent. Nearly all engines, including the human body, must dispel waste products in order to keep functioning. More than a hundred chemical compounds have been identified in urine, on their way out.
Because water molecules stick together, a great deal of heat is required to excite them enough to jump out of its surface and become a vapor. As a result, water can last in oceans and lakes that act as reservoirs. Another evidence is that the boiling temperature of water is extraordinarily higher than that of its other first cousin hydrogen compounds. As a consequence, water can hold a great amount of heat, thus regulating Earth’s temperature.
Could the many blessings to our existence that are inherent in the makeup of water be an accident? How could something so useful also be abundant?
Like the Egyptians, who worshiped the Nile River, water is so wonderful that we might adore it. However, we are not pantheists, who look to creation itself as being a god. Instead, our knees are bowed to the Creator of it all, who cares for us far beyond our knowing.
– James Gibbs
Vacation Bible School is just a few short months away! We will have our first planning meeting this Sunday, February 10, at 3:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. We would like anyone interested in working in VBS, in any way, to come and help us get organized and let us know where you would like to help. There are lots of ways to help: help with snacks; with set-up preparations; teaching; crafts; clean-up; last day lunch and activities; prizes and much more. Tentative dates are June 18-21 (to be finalized at the meeting). So, if you have any ideas to help us have a great VBS, please come to this meeting! Contact person is Denise Beeks.
Hilltopper Valentine’s Luncheon -- Come One, Come All - who are sixty years PLUS and join us for a Valentine’s Get Acquainted Luncheon on Thursday, February 14, at 11:30 a.m. at TinTin Buffet in Poplar Square. The cost is approximately $10.00. Please RSVP to Bob or Joan Tisdel or if you need more information.
Youth Snow Trip is scheduled for February 22-24 at Mount Shasta. We will be staying at the Weed Church of Christ in Weed, CA. The cost is $40.00 for food and travel and the lift ticket is $16.00. There is an extra expense for Saturday’s dinner and snacks and drinks at the lodge. Space is limited so contact Brian Pannell at 541-840-1786 ASAP to sign up and to get more info.
Widow’s Luncheon – Our next Widow’s Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, March 1, at 12:30 p.m. at Anna Maria Creekside. Please check-in at the front desk and they will direct you to the luncheon area. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Viera.
Also, if you would like to go on the Mission Trip scheduled for March 30-April 7, please get your registration form from the office or Valda Newton. (Please note the change of date for the mission trip.) You may contact Valda via e-mail if you need further information about the Mexico trip.
Directory – Our proof copy of the directory is posted in the hallway by the East Room. Please review your listing. Please initial if everything is correct or make the necessary corrections or additions. If your name is not listed and you would like to be included in our directory, please add your information on the sheet posted for new names. Also, if you would like to be added to or removed from the Prayer Chain, please check that listing also.
***If your photo was not in our 2012 directory and you would like to be included in our upcoming 2013 directory, please contact Sandra Cummings ASAP. Photos are taken after services on Sunday morning.***
Prayer Requests . . . Zana Walker asks your prayers for her friend, Loretta Martin, who has cancer...Karen Brown (visitor) requests your prayers for her daughter, Teresa Lowe, who has stage four cancer...For Russ and Beth Johnson who both have health concerns - please pray that they regain their health...For Jenny Way to be able to function better independently....For our President and all of our military men, women and families.
Calendar of Events
February 10: VBS Planning Meeting FSR; 3:30 p.m.
February 14: Hilltopper Luncheon at TinTin Buffet; 11:30 a.m.
March 1: Widow’s Luncheon at Anna Maria Creekside; 12:30 p.m.
March 2: Mexico Dinner and Auction; FSR; 6:00 p.m.
March 30-April 7: Mexico Mission Trip
