Heart to Heart
By Pastor Richard Wright
Campmeeting is over for another year and I hope and pray that the next campmeeting will be in heaven. God certainly did bless us with some wonderful speakers whose messages touched our hearts and hopefully brought us closer to God.
I received a lot of tragic news during campmeeting as did other pastors, more so then in years past. News of relatives, friends and church members passing away. News of loved ones who had become very sick. Doesn’t it all make you long for heaven more? Luke 6:23 says, "Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold, your reward is great in heaven". By God’s grace we can remain faithful to Him no matter what comes our way and as we look to heaven we realize God has more in store for us then this earth could ever offer. Compared to heaven this world has nothing that would be attractive to God’s people. Colossians 1:5 says, "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of truth of the gospel." Would we ever long for heaven were it not for the trials we experience on this earth? The truth of the gospel is that God has prepared a better place for us and that gives us hope and strength to go on. Satan will not have his way much longer to cause heartache and destruction. For Christ has won the victory for us, and we can go home with Him. Heb. 10:34-37 says, "You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay."
Sleeping at home during campmeeting was a lot better than sleeping in the tent. How much better and more comfortable was my own bed then the bed at campmeeting. My home was much more secure than the tent at campmeeting. Just think of how much better and more secure heaven will be than the tents we dwell in here on earth. Let’s keep focused on that eternal home for nothing on this earth really matters in comparison to heaven.
Note
Benefit Supper for Larry & Pam Poland & Children
When: August 9 at 5:30 pm
Where: Thurlow Hall
Details: Age 6 and under FREE, Adults (Age 7—107) $5
Donations Accepted
Please Call Rosalie Poland for further details or if you would like to
help (674-3230)
Letters From "Family"
Dear Woodstock Church family, How wonderful it was to receive the warm, caring
letters from many of you during Smith family prayer week. It was almost audible,
like you were talking next to us. So warm and caring were your words and
beautiful cards. We have appreciated so much the letters from Isabel Brown,
Clara and Robert Johns, Martha Hadley, Leora Kennison and all the pretty cards
from Burna Wilson. Oh, not to forget one other loving and faithful one, my very
own sister, Margery Gleason. Our prayers go out for the Woodstock Church and all
of you.
Monty and Irwina Smith
Note
Dear Church Family,
A note of thanks to all who gave things for the School Garage Sale. Although I
got rained on a couple of days I was able to go over my goal of $1000. We
received things from the Oxford Church, which was a big help and greatly
appreciated.
Until the next time, many thanks.
Isabel Brown
Editorial Oversight
"I apologize. It was brought to my attention that a particular quote from
June’s newsletter was incorrect. I appreciate this information and below have
provided the accurate information to hopefully clarify this oversight."
Lamplighter Editor, Christie Hodson
Prayer is the Answer to Every Problem in Life. A paragraph regarding the power of prayer that begins, "Prayer is the answer to every problem in life," is not from Ellen G. White, but from an unknown author quoted in an article that appeared in the Review and Herald, October 7, 1965. The statement, as usually circulated, carries the incorrect date of October 7, 1865. For a statement on prayer from Ellen G. White, see Steps to Christ, p. 100: "Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. . . . There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest." (www.whiteestate.org)
MISQUOTE: Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with divine wisdom which knows how to adjust everything perfectly. So often we do not pray in certain situations because from our stand point the outlook is hopeless. But nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied; no human relationship is too strained for God to bring about reconciliation and understanding; no habit so deep rooted that it cannot be overcome; no one is so weak that he cannot be strong. No one is so ill that he cannot be healed. No mind is so dull that it cannot be made brilliant. What ever we need, if we trust God, He will supply it. If anything is causing us worry or anxiety, let us stop rehearsing the difficulty and trust God for healing, love and power. E.G. White, Review and Herald, October 7, 1865
Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. "The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son. (-E.G. White, Steps to Christ, pg.100, )
Hidden Words
How many words can you make with the letters of JEHOSHAPHAT
(Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah in the time of Elijah.)
53 words have been discovered in this name. Can you find that many and
more? For example (hat, hose, etc.) Find 51 more!
Quote
God wants "spiritual fruit" not a "religious nut".
Who Am I ???
Last Months "Who am I" - Mike Huston
Answers to last month’s "Who Said That?"
1. Jonah (2:5)
2. Job (19:25)
3. Samuel (1 Sam 15:14)
4. Jacob (Genesis 28:16)
5. Paul (Acts 17:28)
6. Stephen (Acts 7:59)
Woman’s Ministry Weekend
by Laurie Wilson
One of our friends lent us their camp for the day and another
unforgettable "mini" women’s retreat was in action. It was a gorgeous Sabbath
day (June 9, 2001) when 25 ladies fellowshipped, or should I say lady-shipped
(ha!), together in Albany, Maine.
We surely had a great time sitting by the lake basking in the sunny, breezy day and learning more about our "sisters". After heartfelt prayers and song service we divided into small groups to discuss some questions. Each one in the circle told who our best friend is and why. Many said Jesus for sure, some said their mom, their daughter, and some pointed out of having husbands as true friends. Before we knew it our sack lunches were very much needed! After eating, we had a specialty and it was for women only. It was a hand softener with heated paraffin wax.
One of our sisters typed on a laptop computer which is used weekly in our church . She typed everything that was being said among us all day for one of the deaf members. This was outdoors no less! How would we survive without extension cords and caring friends? Now that is love!
All talked of how we can grow to be better friends to others and not to be quick to judge others. We have to realize that we all have the same faults and fears.
A "Thinking Of You" book was signed with a short note to someone who is hurting, closed in, and needed to be remembered. (This is what we do at each monthly meeting along with signed cards).
What a fruitful day we shared inside the camp also. Before leaving many prayers were spoken of thanks and gratitude for the much needed time together.
We pray that more ladies will be at the next women’s ministry retreat and the monthly meetings. There will always be a chair for you. We want to have you there!!!
The Quilt
By Lisa Vail
What is friendship? When I think of friendship I think of a beautiful
quilt with all of its different colors, textures, fabrics and sizes. The quilt
is crafted together with tender thought and carefulness giving special thought
to its design. As a beautiful quilt helps set the tone of a special room, so
does the quilt of friendships help set the tone of our lives. Each person offers
a unique quality to our lives which blend and form the paths we choose.
Some of our friends help us laugh while other let us cry. Some are there offering scripture and prayer to lead us to the One who is the very best friend of all. Some friends offer their talents and teach us a vocation, such as bread making, crocheting or backpacking. Some friends offer their experience so we don't have to make the same mistakes. Like a quilt bound by thread, our friendships are bound with love, forgiveness, patience, enjoyment, long-suffering and hope. If one of our friends passes on her/his quilt piece still holds strong because of the gift. The everlasting gift of Jesus gives us hope that we will be friends forever throughout eternity.
Each person offers a different texture, variety and color to our lives. Each person is a special gift from God to be used for His honor and glory to create a beautiful quilt for someone else to enjoy.
Just Push
A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his
room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for
him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained
that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man
did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down; his
shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock,
pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and
worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was
showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by
placing thoughts into the weary mind: "you have been pushing against that rock
for a long time, and it hasn't moved." Thus, giving the man the impression that
the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged
and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this?" he thought. "I'll just
put in my time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."
And that is what he planned to do, until one day he decided to make it a matter
of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have
labored long and hard in Your service, putting all my strength to do that which
You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by
half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"
The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done. Now I, My friend, will move the rock."
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains.
When everything seems to go wrong ………… just P.U.S.H.!
When the job gets you down ……… just P.U.S.H.!
When people don't react the way you think they should …...… just P.U.S.H.!
When your money looks "gone" and the bills are due …….… just P.U.S.H!
When people just don't understand you ……..… just P.U.S.H.!
P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens
Quote
Get in touch with God by knee-mail!
In My Humble Opinion
Thoughts expressed by Lamplighter Editor, Christie Hodson
Prayer is a difficult subject for me to write about. If I’d only been
able to write this editorial at a young age, it might have been easier. The
difficulty in getting older is that we tend with those years to add more and
more details to the facts at hand. Sounds logical and good, except when the
original facts don’t make sense to me as an adult. Those original facts being
that if I pray to God He will listen and answer that prayer subconsciously
perhaps, just as I imagine it and in my timeframe. I believed that the more
people who prayed and the harder we prayed, all the better. Sounds all well and
good, until it doesn’t go as we expect. Somehow when we’re children, we’re much
more patient with God but as we get older lack of patience and cynicism set in
and we don’t do well waiting for God’s answers on His terms. Not having our
prayer answered can leave us with a sense of loneliness and abandonment. Often
we react with anger, pessimism, disbelief and denial. My view on prayer changed
significantly when my father died. He was diagnosed with colon cancer as well as
four cancerous spots on his liver. Simply put, his medical outlook didn’t look
favorable. A perfect opportunity to incorporate an intense prayer life, I
thought! My spiritual life had been in a lull and this would reignite all sorts
of thoughts, feelings and beliefs. I prayed hard and frequently for my father.
Many others joined in the "effort". Many talked of healing. An anointing took
place. Unfortunately, my father died within 4 months.. Had I not prayed hard
enough, frequently enough, sincerely enough, or with enough faith? I realized
very quickly that if I’d viewed prayer as I did as a child, I would became
confused and probably would have developed a great sense of disbelief. I chose
to rethink my whole concept of prayer. The transition into my new view of prayer
took some time and searching as well. Realizing "my prayer efforts" appeared to
be to no avail, I felt extremely saddened and disconnected. I even held out hope
that my father would maybe be miraculously raised to life as Lazarus had. "How
could death be the Lord’s will?" An honest question that I needed answered for
me to "go on". I finally came to the conclusion that death was not God’s will.
His choice of not intervening was. I’ve discovered that prayer to me is a
searching process in discovering God’s will. The more I pray and take into
account how the prayers are answered, the clearer I think God’s overall plan
will be. I have to accept the answers regardless of what they are and in
whatever timeframe. Would that belief answer my previous question of whether the
death of my dad was God’s will? No, but thankfully the gospel has covered that
portion. Sin will kill us all at one time or another. Jesus Christ died on the
cross for those sins that separate us from Him. The Lord’s will was for us never
to have sinned. Thankfully and yet maybe unfortunately, our Great God gave us
freedom of choice. With that we’ve chosen our own routes of belief. Many times
I’ve thought that I might even want to trade that free choice for God’s overall
blueprint of life, but that "gift of knowledge" is waiting for me in heaven. The
Lord directed us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13 "Our Father in heaven, hallowed
by thy name, your kingdom come, YOUR WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
May that be our prayer today and may we rediscover that childlike faith and
patience and continue searching for God’s true will for us all. "They that wait
upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
(Isaiah 40:31) The following song’s lyrics have been an inspiration to me for
many years. I’m anxious for that day to be shown the "bigger picture" and to
truly understand what God had intended all along. I pray today that I will no
longer be burdened by what I don’t understand but will "choose" to put my full
trust in my redeemer. How about you?
| Higher Ways by Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman If I could only
fly But I have prayed |
Your higher ways, teach me to trust You Your higher ways are not like mine Your higher ways are the ways of a Father Hiding His children in His love So let it rain Someday I will fly |
Graduation Photo Gallery
See page 7 of the graphic version
Gloria Flemings’ Favorite Scripture and Why
One of my favorite Bible verses is James 1:5 "If any of
you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without
reproach, and it will be given to him."
It was during a V.B.S., many years ago when this text first became so special to me. There was a boy named James that was a sweetheart but was very mischievous. I was at wits end how to deal with him! That was when I asked God for wisdom and God showed me how to deal with him. At that time I knew I would never forget the little boy, James, nor the promise for wisdom found in James 1:5.
In His promises He is speaking to us individually, speaking as directly as if we could hear His voice. It is in these promises that Christ communicates to us, His grace and power. The promise in James 1:5 for wisdom is of more value than gold or silver.We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. His Word can never fail.
Forestdale News
by Linda Wiggin
Forestdale's classrooms are certainly very quiet during these sunny days of
summer. But if you watch closely there is a flurry of activity as plans are
being made for the new school year. New books have been ordered and are being
delivered. Carpets have been cleaned. Teachers have worked on new schedules and
new ideas for their classroom.
One of the most exciting changes to Forestdale School will be the addition of a Kindergarten program. There has been a need and desire from many to have a SDA. Kindergarten within our school. The Kindergarten will be incorporated with grades 1 & 2 to form a primary classroom where progress will be individualized. It is essential in the early years of a young child's school life that he or she achieves success and pleasure in the learning experience. The SDA Kindergarten Curriculum has been ordered, delivered, and studied. The emphasis for the curriculum is the development of the whole child as each child realizes his full potential. This is a Bible based program where each school day begins with our special friend, Jesus, and then continues on with special early childhood activities that make learning fun and exciting. The Forestdale staff invites interested parents to contribute their ideas and to ask questions. This is an exciting development for our school. Please feel free to give your thoughts and ideas to the staff as this new program is introduced.
Summer time is a busy time for families. What a special time it is to be together with the family! During these months most families are making plans for the coming school year. We pray that your plans include a look at the church school at all academic levels. Being a part of the Family of God is a wonderful experience and provides for your child the opportunity to meet with Jesus each day and to grow with Him.
July's Birthdays & Anniversaries
| Anniversaries 2-Jerold & Tracie Mason 10-Lonnie & Mary Ellen Hadley 25-Ron & Tammy Duguay Birthdays |
13-Damien Hyskins 13-Kay Stahl 14-Heidi Hodson 16-Randy Gladden 22-Joe Pete Appleby 22-Kalvin Mason 24-Darcy Taylor 25-Tammy Duguay 25-Zandi Kemp 27-Amanda Turmenne 28-Isaac Strong 29-Amie Wiggin 29-Tia Gladden 31-Beverly Snow |
Note
We’re on the Web
www.hodsonhome.com/woodstocksda
Title Unknown
Author Unknown
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are
going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for mom and blowing white fluff
you can wish on.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.
When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.
When I pray, I say "thee" and "thou" and "grant me this", "give me that". My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my mommy and daddy."
When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.
I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children!! "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
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