Well, we finally fired up the wood furnace this week to counter act the blast of very cold, wind driven air that came our way. It felt good too. There’s nothing like wood heat to warm a house. We don’t use it all the time, but we certainly can tell the difference between wood, gas and electric heat.
I guess the cold weather had an effect on church attendance too. Several families were missing from our congregation last Sunday. We pray that none of them are ill. I just got over a bad sinus and double ear infection. Between the headaches and ear aches, I did not feel well at all, and was not wanting to go anywhere either. But, with a round of antibiotics, I seem to be fine now. It feels so good to feel good again.
The Red Bank Church services began with a warm greeting from Brother Jerry Huff. Brother Gary Lirley led the congregation in hymns. Birthday offerings were given by Brother Les Hallmark in honor of his mother’s birthday and by Miranda Hallmark in honor of a friend. These offerings are designated for the Pakistan school, mission fund. Announcements were for the evening services being Praise Night with a food fellowship following the special song and testimony service, and to remind everyone about the Christmas dinner that is set for next Sunday, Dec. 19. Also, each family is asked to bring a special song, poem, or skit to share during the morning worship service that same day. It will be a wonderful chance for each of us to present a gift to the Lord for his birthday by sharing our talents with others.
The morning sermon was taken from Luke 24: 13-53. After Jesus had risen from the grave, he was seen by many people. This chapter tells of the last few people to witness that he had truly risen from the grave as he predicted. The two men that Jesus appeared to, as they traveled on the road to Emmaus, hurried back to Jerusalem to meet with the disciples to tell them that they knew that Jesus had risen. And, how they recognized him as he broke the bread at a meal they had with Him. At that same time, Jesus appeared in their midst, showed them the scars on his feet and hands and even invited them to handle him. He also ate a piece of broiled fish and honeycomb before them. In verse 44 he said unto them, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” The Scripture goes on to say that Jesus opened their understanding of what the prophets of old wrote about him. He quoted Hosea 6:1: and Micah 4:2. He may have also quoted Isaiah 53, which pretty well foretells the whole story. Brother Les said that many people knew Jesus in many different circumstances, such as the Prophets, Noah, Moses, Abraham, David, Daniel, each of the Disciples and Mary Magdalene. This list goes on and on, but the main question is: How do you know Jesus? Do you know Him as The Promise Keeper? Do you know Him through the repentance and remission of your sins? Do you know Him as your Precious Lord and Savior? Do you know Him as Lord and Master of your life?” When the Disciples finally comprehended who Jesus really was, they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. (Vs. 52-53) Where does Jesus stand in your life; First, somewhere in the middle, or the very last?
Jeane Huff enjoyed visiting with her mother, Maxine Lirley one day last week. She found herself helping Maxine work on a puzzle that she had recently started. It was a puzzle showing different scenes of Christmas carolers. It was a difficult puzzle to put together, but they were determined to keep working on it.
Also visiting with Maxine Lirley Sunday afternoon was Gary and Alice Lirley. After visiting awhile, Maxine took them on a tour of Christmas trees and other decorations throughout the Heart of the Ozark Healthcare Center. Each tree had a different theme such as birds, feathers, flowers, ribbons and colorful Christmas balls. Some of the trees are different in color. Maxine made sure to show them the puzzle that she has been working on. She also took them on a tour of the Physical Therapy room where she spends a lot of time working out on the different exercise machines. Maxine is 88 years old and she could probably put most of us to shame at exercising on those machines. We would be huffing and puffing way before she would, I’m sure. Keep up the good work and show us how it’s done, Maxine.
I visited with Miranda Hallmark at church Sunday. She said that she was plenty busy at school taking all of her final test before the holiday break that is coming up. And, of course, there were several different Christmas parties and activities to attend. All in all she said that she was enjoying her first year in high school. Now that’s a joy to hear!
I think that I forgot to mention that Margi Gates ran in a race a couple of weeks ago. I remember her saying that it was a very cold day, but that she was dressed warmly and was very comfortable during the race. I believe it was a benefit race. Margi is another person that could put most of us to shame in keeping ourselves in good physical condition. I couldn’t imagine running one mile let alone 26 miles like she did in a race this year. Could you?
I finally got around to putting up some Christmas decorations today. None of our family will get to be with us this year, but I still enjoy decorating the house a little because it tends to encourage a little more of the Christmas Spirit around here. Now, if I can just follow through with some of the recipes that I have been wanting try for Christmas I’ll be happy. One is a praline bunt cake made with pecans. It sounds yummy. I found it in the Rural Missouri paper.
It’s been great visiting with you once again. Stay warm and enjoy all the Christmas activities along with family and friends.
