West Main

Presently, I am reading, “The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science.” The author, Norman Doidge, recounts some truly amazing stories of how our brains are able to “rewire” damaged parts, or even missing parts of the brain! These new discoveries in brain science are called “neuroplasticity.” In short, the brain is less like a machine with irreplaceable parts, and more like a software program that can be restored, rebooted, and in some cases rewritten.

In one telling section of this book, Doidge, speaks to our brains as a kind of real estate in which neurons compete for space:

There is an endless war of nerves going on inside each of our brains. If we stop exercising our mental skills, we do not just forget them: the brain map space for those skills is turned over to the skills we practice instead. If you ever ask yourself, “How often must I practice French, or guitar, or math to keep on top of it?” you are asking a question about competitive plasticity. You are asking how frequently you must practice one activity to make sure its brain map space is not lost to another.

As I read about this “endless war of nerves going on inside each of our brains,” my mind went to two passages of Scripture in particular. Psalm 10:4 says, “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we read, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

What I began wondering in light of these two scriptures and brain science is, “What is the connection between our study of Scripture and the physiology of our brains?” I was also thinking about how various spiritual disciplines might shape our mental map of life, our spirituality. In other words, I wonder if there is a corresponding neural map of spirituality in our brains. King David and the Apostle Paul both recognize that we can only think on so many things, or have so many thoughts. What you choose to spend your thoughts upon will have an immediate physiological effect! Habits of thought will produce habits of neural patterns in our brains making choices and behaviors virtually automatic.

The Apostle Paul also says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Phil 4:8). Brothers and Sisters, we only have so much brain map space, so let us choose Christ, thus making sure our “brain map space is not lost to another,” more Satanic influence.

– Terry

Camp dates are July 7-13. Camp cost is $165.00 with an early bird discount of $15.00 if your registration is paid in full by June 10^th. Registration deadline is June 25^th. Camper ages are: completed third grade through Seniors graduated in 2013. Camp registration forms are available at the information center in the courtyard.

Please make plans to join us for our last year at Box R Ranch - it will be a very special year!

**Camp Fundraiser Dinner is this Friday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. We are praying to raise at least $6500.00 to support our last and most memorable year at Box R Ranch. We are planning a fun night for everyone.

Camp Kitchen Drive  -- This year we will be having a Camp Kitchen Drive. We are asking that all month long you bring in food supplies such as rice, Oreos, spaghetti and large bags of frosted flakes to help with our kitchen costs this year. Donations may be dropped off in the boxes at the back of the auditorium.

Calling All Parents of Junior and Senior High kids. We will have our Parent Meeting this Sunday, May 19, right after services to give out the summer calendar. Please try to attend. We will cover all events, costs, logistics, etc. We will not be long and you can get on to lunch afterwards.

Children’s Worship Service  -- This Sunday, May 19^th, will be our last Children’s Worship Service before we take our summer break. Children’s Worship Services will resume on September 8^th.

Ladies Class  -- We will have our Potluck Luncheon on May 21^st at 11:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Please bring lots of your favorite potluck dish to share. This will be our last meeting before our summer break.

VBS will be June 18-21 from 9:00-11:45 a.m. each morning. Contact Denise Beeks if you can help with VBS.

Coffee Servers are needed for the month of June. Please sign up on the list posted by the stairs. Thank you for your help.

Prayer Requests . . . For Mel Hamilton as he recovers from foot surgery...For Kim Testerman as she recovers from surgery for appendicitis...For Lynne Olson as she recovers from surgery to have four toes removed and most of her big toe - prayers for strength and healing...For Logan Rock, friend of Kathy York, as he battles stage 3 cancer...For Alex Shepherd who is twelve years old as he battles grade 3 brain tumors and as he undergoes multiple surgeries and chemo and radiation treatments...Praise that the grandson of Clara Arnold and his friends survived a very bad accident...For Patsy Brophy as she travels and for our other members who are traveling...Alix Spodnik requests prayers for all those who are suffering from hay fever and allergies that they may have relief...For Jenny Thomasson, co-worker of Hannah Walker, whose husband recently passed away...For our President and all of our military men, women and families.

Recently Baptized – We are pleased to announce the baptism of Courtney Denn this past Sunday. Courtney is the daughter of Trevor and Jennielle Denn and the granddaughter of Larry and Wydie Denn. Please welcome this new sister in the Lord. 

Wedding Announcement  --  Ron and Sally Zielke and Judy Jones are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter and son on May 3, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. A “Come and Go” reception will be held for Kayla and David on Saturday, June 1, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the home of Ron and Sally Zielke, 2883 Bailey Avenue, Medford. Light snacks and cake will be served. Please RSVP to Ron or Sally by phone, text message, or send an e-mail to Sally.   Kayla and David are registered at Crate and Barrel, Target, and Amazon.

May 17: Camp Dinner and Auction;  Fireside Room; 6:00 p.m.

June 18-21: VBS

July 7-13: Camp at Box R Ranch

Looking Ahead: If you have any CIA projects that need to be done this summer, or perhaps a neighbor who needs something done, please let us know!