Life In The Body

News and Notes for the :

Shelbyville

Church of Christ

 May 13,  2012

Mothers

No one casts a longer shadow throughout the course of one's life than a mother. I hope that we will always honor and celebrate our moms for the sheltering shade of those shadows. 

Back in the mid-1950's Theodor Geisel railed and revolted against the boringly banal primers forced on first time readers. His books, penned under the now famous name of "Dr. Seuss," transformed reading to our little ones from dull and dreary tales of "Dick and Jane" to the lyrical fun of "The Cat in the Hat."  

Adding to this new literary library was a protégé of the Dr. Seuss style, the books of P.D. Eastman. His "classics" in this new children's literature include "Go, Dog, Go," "One Fish, Two fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," and especially, my favorite, "Are You My Mother?" 

Just in case you did not get the chance to read "Are You My Mother?" aloud six hundred times over the course of your children's childhood, it is the simple story of a baby bird who hatches out of his egg while his mother is off the nest. The little bird falls out and promptly sets off looking to find his missing mom. Having no clue what his mother may look like, the fledgling approaches dogs and cats, trucks and boats, and finally a huge steam shovel (who deftly dumps him safely back into his nest), earnestly asking each one, "Are you my mother?" We all crave a mother's presence and pine for a mother's love. 

Mothers are special and play an enormous role in our lives. Someone once wrote, “They say that Man is mighty, He governs land and sea, He wields a mighty scepter, O’er lesser powers that be; But a mightier power and stronger, Man from his throne has hurled, For the hand that rocks the cradle, Is the hand that rules the world.” 

Consider the ideal biblical model of motherhood as taught in Proverbs 31. A godly mother: 1) is trustworthy (Pro. 31:11), 2) does good, not evil (Pro. 31:12), 3) is industrious, not lazy (Pro. 31:13-14, 27), 4) provides food (Pro. 31:15) and clothing for her family (Pro. 31:19, 21), 5) is a servant to all - has time for others (Pro. 31:20), 6) is strong, dignified, happy, hopeful, optimistic (Pro. 31:25), and 7) is careful with her tongue, is wise, and teaches (Pro. 31:26). As a result, her children call her blessed (Pro. 31:28). Should we not call our mothers blessed as well? 

As our Lord hung on the cruel cross He was thinking of His mother (Jn. 29:25-27). May we always show the proper love, concern and respect they deserve.  

Craig Roberts wrote, “Thank You Lord, for loving mothers, godly hearts and hands to serve, Priced above the precious rubies, having virtues all observe. Children rise and call them blessed; husbands give them praises due. Who can tell of the adornment, inward beauty, pure and true.” 

God’s Plumb Line

The Lord said to me, "What do you see, Amos?" And I said " A plumb line." Then the Lord said "Behold I am about to put a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer."                                                               Amos 7:8

A builder uses a string with a weight on the end of it, to insure their building is straight. It is called a plumb line. If the building is crooked, it has to be torn down. Amos was sent to the house is Israel with this warning. God's word was the plumb line hanging in Israel, and it showed that they were crooked. Their kingdom was about to be destroyed. We don't want to hear news like that. When the plumb line of God's word is held up next to our life, will we stand or be torn down? As mother taught, it’s best to keep the plumb line handy as we build, to avoid destruction.  

This Sunday Evening

As we did last summer, Lord willing, we will visit each of the neighboring congregations at least.  These visits have always been a time of uplifting fellowship for those we visit and for us as well.  We will plan on stopping for a meal or a snack at a local restaurant.   

This evening, unless something unexpected is added to the mix, … The unexpected was added so we postponing this trip until a later date.  Sorry if this causes any inconvenience.     

Competition For Our Competition

 Last week we had a new phenomenon; we had competition for our competition.  The day was so very nice that several substituted a quick reading for real study and the scores reflected their decision.  Therefore, may I suggest that you make a habit to allot fifteen minutes each day to study for the coming quiz. The one who does so will most certainly do well consistently.  

The chapters for next week are Exodus chapters 15 and 16.   These 63 verses provide fertile ground  from which challenging  questions will grow.  Will you be ready ?  

Shelby Manor Service

It’s been a while since the date was published so please be reminded the next Sunday ( May 20 ) will be our week to do the service at Shelby.  Last time we were there they had a full house so plan on being  there next week.  The service is at 2:00 p.m.   

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Be a fountain, not a drain.

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Prayer List :

Those with ongoing need of prayer :

Gail Boldt  :   Age related maladies

Shirley Gaddis :   Recovery from surgery & pneumonia

RuthAnn Miller : Ongoing and painful back issues

Ruby Miller : Recovering from broken kneecap

John Robert Moore :   Age related maladies ( not well )   

Francis Reynolds :   Very painful arthritis, etc.

Butch Reynolds :   Heart condition

Brenda Stevens :  Ongoing and painful back issues

Stella Zanders  :   Age related maladies

Lois Uphoff : ( Stan’s Mom ) Age related maladies

Tina :  ( Brenda’s friend ) is waiting for a liver transplant.

Carolyn : ( Brenda’s friend ) Aggressive cancer - hospice  

Brenda Grissamoore : ( Susan’s friend ) Multiple health issues

Elwood Crutcher : Multiple age related maladies

Larry Bales :  Painful vision problems

Remember the pantry  :

Bring nonperishable food items  

Visitors are always welcomed.

We invite you to visit our assemblies. 

Schedule of Services :

            Sunday Morning :     Bible Study ….   9:30 a.m.

                                               Worship .……  10:20 a.m.

            Sunday Evening :      Worship …….   6:00 p.m.

            Wednesday :             Bible Study …..  7:00 p.m.

Ya’ll  Come !