Heart to Heart
by Pastor Richard Wright
Exodus 34:6,7 says, "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed,
The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness
and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children and upon the children’s children,
unto the third and the fourth generation.."
I must say that I am overjoyed for the loving mercy of the
God we serve. When I think of how patient He is with me, I realize that I must
be patient and merciful to others. Sometimes we forget, "That except for
the grace of God, there go I."
Sometimes we get frustrated with our brother, or sister in the church because we
don’t always see eye to eye, or we find some fault with them. We even can
become vindictive if we feel fault that someone has wronged us. It’s times
like these when we need to take a long hard look at the mercy God has extended
to us. If God were to withdraw His tender mercies from us, just think of the
misery we would suffer. He doesn’t do that, because he loves us with
unconditional love.
When we get upset with our spouse or our children, we must follow Christ’s
example and show them mercy. Who knows what God will make out of that child who
today may be in trouble and difficult to handle.
Tomorrow, we or she may be one of Gods greatest servants.
Let us by God’s grace be tender loving, kind and merciful to each other. (Prov. 21:21) says, "He that followeth after righteous ness and mercy findeth life, righteousness and honor."
Tami Duguay’s Favorite Scripture
Isaiah 54:10 (KJV) "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be
removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant
of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee."
During difficult times in my life I realize after reading Isaiah 54:10 that
my problems are pretty small. It also reminds me that when the "mountains
do depart or the hills disappear, that God’s mercy, peace and kindness
will never abandon me. That brings me such assurance in those times of
discouragement that his mercy, peace and kindness will sustain me through
the tough times and I praise the Lord for that!
An Assignment
Submit your response to Christie Hodson personally, or e-mail at fchodson@hodsonhome.com or by letter at PO Box 469, Oxford, ME 04270
Religious Liberty Update
Death Penalty for Christians:
It was recently announced in Afghanistan by the Taliban
Supreme Leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar that any person who converts from Islam to
Christianity or those who induce such conversions will be killed. The same is
true for other conversions from Islam.
New Milford zones against Prayer: Robert and Mary Murphy have sued
the town of New Milford, Conn. according to Associated Press, for ruling that
prayer meeting in their home is a violation of the town’s zoning laws. The
couple had been conducting Bible study and prayer meeting in their home for
several years with not more than 25 persons attending. The neighbors allegedly
complained that there were too many cars parked in the family’s backyard
during such meetings.
China is Demolishing Hundreds of Churches: China is demolishing
hundreds of underground Christian churches and temples. Chinese newspapers have
reported a crackdown on unauthorized worship in the southern coastal city of
Wenzhou. More than 1,000 temples, churches, and ancestral halls in the area have
been shut down since November, and many have been demolished, according to
articles in state-run newspapers. One newspaper reported that officials used
explosives to destroy a large church on Dec. 1 and another newspaper published a
photograph of workers smashing “illegal religious centers” with
sledgehammers, according to news reports. China says it allows religious
freedom, but it restricts religious practice. Congregations are required to be
sanctioned by the government, and those that are not sanctioned by the
government, often are accused of defrauding or abusing their followers. A number
of unapproved sect, cults, and underground religious groups have prospered as
Communist ideology loses its appeal, according to the Washing Post. The
heavy-handed actions come less than a month after China agreed to resume human
rights talks with the United States.
Women’s Ministry Update
The Women’s Ministries January meeting was held at Christie Hodson’s
house. We opened with worship given by Edwina Johnson, Tricia Johnson, &
Sara Huston. Kindness was the topic of worship. The Bible in Proverbs 31:26
says, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of
kindness." Ellen White states, "The common, severe, harsh words that
come from your lips so readily must be withheld, and the Spirit of God speak
through the human agent. By beholding the character of Christ you will become
changed into His likeness." "We are to learn what it means to have
good-will towards all men, a sincere desire to be as sunshine and not as shadows
in the lives of others." Faye Taylor and Kay Stahl talked about the "Eight
Weeks to Wellness Program" they are presenting at the Telstar High
School. We each took a Lifestyle Assessment to determine our lifestyle score. We
realized we all need to improve on physical activity, food intake (of the right
food), sleep/rest, etc. We began another Secret Pal Program, which will end
March 1. At that time we will be revealing ourselves to our secret pal. That
meeting will be at Winnie Hodson’s house in Woodstock/Bryant Pond.
Woodstock Whitetail Happenings
(Pathfinder News)
The Pathfinder season has rounded the half-way point and is headed into the
final stretch for the year 2000-2001. Cabin fever is starting to set in and the
kids are anxiously awaiting the more physical activities that the good weather
brings. Being confined indoors does have its advantages though. The Pathfinders
have nearly completed all of their classwork requirements for the
"Friend" Class. An investiture service will take place in the spring
to reward them for all of their hard efforts. This past month, February, was
another active month. Their field-trip was to the Glover's house for an all-night-movie-marathon.
"All night" actually lasted until 1:30 AM (I believe that was the
time when the last one fell asleep). Out of the 7 videos that were picked for
viewing, the Pathfinders managed to watch 5. Bellies were filled with English
muffin pizzas, popcorn, and then in the morning cold cereal (the good 'ole
standby) and cinnamon rolls with orange juice. topped them off as they prepared
to head home. All in all things went well and, to my pleasant surprise, my house
was still in one piece and in fair order! The Pathfinders also received several
honors in February. Everyone completed and received the Seed and Red
Alert honors and Cody Ballweber and Frank Glover received the Origami
honor. They were able to go to Pine Tree Academy for Art Clinic and there they
took a class in Origami which was taught by a Japanese native. Pathfinders
continue to be fun, exciting, busy, and full of activities. March is yet another
busy time and I look forward to letting you know all about it in the next Church
Newsletter.
Note
Do you know what your kids are watching and listening to????
www.screenit.com
A Defining Moment
Atonement:
It means removing any barrier that has caused the separation of two
people, thus bringing them together once again. When this happens, they have
been reconciled. When used theologically, the word atonement refers to
the expiating or removing of our sins which has separated us sinners from a holy
God [read Isa. 59:2, 3].
Biblical Riddle
Please try to solve this simple little puzzle. This answer is one word,
found only 4 times in the Bible. Search hard and you are surely to find much
more than the word........And when you find it you will say, "It's so
simple........"
Answers to last months’ puzzles
are here.
Mystery Math answer was:
3
(969/3=323; 323+7=330; 330-30=300; 300/50=6; 6x2=12; 12+1=13; 13-10=3)
Trivia Answers:
1. Who ate a book that tasted like honey? Ezekial
(2:9-3:3)
2. Who cursed a fig tree for not bearing fruit? Jesus
(Matt. 21:14)
3. How long was Noah in the belly of the whale? Noah wasn’t
in the belly of a whale, Jonah was.
4. Who was the first individual killed by God for being
wicked? Er (Genesis 38:7)
Poem
| Adam, GOD made out of dust, But thought it best to make me first. So I was made before man, To answer God's most holy plan. A living being I became, And Adam gave to me my name. I from his presence then withdrew, And more of Adam never knew. I did my maker's law obey, Now never went from it astray. Thousands of miles I go in fear, But seldom on earth appear. For a purpose that GOD did see, He put a living soul in me. A soul from me GOD did claim, And took the soul from me again. So when from me the soul that fled, I was the same as when first made. And without hands or feet or soul, I travel on from pole to pole. |
I labor on by day and night, To fallen man, I am a great sight. Thousands of people young and old, Will by my death great light behold. No right or wrong can I conceive, The Scripture I cannot believe. Although my name therein is found, They are to me an empty sound. No fear of death doth trouble me, Real happiness I'll never see. To heaven I shall never go, Nor, to hell below. Now when these lines you slowly read, Go search your Bible with all speed. For my name is written there, I do honestly declare. |
Who Am I?
1. I am 157 cm tall.
2. I play the world’s heaviest stringed instrument.
3. My name means peacemaker
Answer to last months’ "Who
am I" was:
Frank Glover Jr. (II)
Thoughts On Heaven
Last month I posed the following questions in an assignment section that
you will see frequently in the newsletter. I only got a few responses but those
that I did receive were so incredibly fascinating and I thank those individuals
for sharing their thoughts! Here they are.
1. How do you envision heaven will be like?
2. What question will you ask God first?
McKayla--My home will be shiny and sparkly. It
will have lots of animals. I will ask God, "Will you come over to my house
and visit me?"
Tyler--My home will have a pond full of frogs.
Angie--I want heaven to be filled with lots and lots of soft
blankets.
Kay—Everything and everyone in Heaven will be crisp and
untarnished by sin. Discernment will no longer be a priority—all is good and
truthful! And yes, I will finally have my country farm with all the landscaping
and animals I have ever dreamed of. YEAH!
Frank—Heaven will be carefree and exciting. New adventure and
awe will be overwhelming. I want to visit God’s creation in other worlds. I
want to learn how God and His angels have helped each of us through our life
experience. I think I will have lots of questions, but mainly praise and thanks
for the first several thousand years!
Heaven is a Beautiful Place
By Hannah Vail, Grade 5
Heaven is a beautiful place;
Full of beauty, wonders, and grace.
It will be full of animals, so gentle and kind;
We could play with them all day or as long as they mind.
I cannot imagine how great it will be;
There will be many new marvelous sights to see.
There will be streets of gold
And stories untold.
There will be great beautiful temples all around.
And we’ll always hear a great new sound.
The first question I will ask God will be
"Whose my guardian angel?" and
"How long will it be until that angel I get to thank and see?"
It’s such a wonderful place to be.
I’m sure when we get there we’ll seem so free!
Note
Join the School Band
(More Musical Instruments Available)
Alto Sax—ask Barb Glover
Trombone—ask Ben Yap
Clarinet—ask Linda Wiggin
Forestdale School News
by Franklin P. Stahl
Dear Church Family,
Excitement has filled the rooms recently--and this is not just from the usual
daily announcement of "lunchtime and recess!" On Friday, Feb. 16 we
dismissed for a week of vacation. Grades 5-6 presented an excellent D.A.R.E.
graduation program. The fresh smell and sight of new carpet in the 4-6 room,
library, and stairways was welcomed by all (thanks for your support through the
Lamb’s Offering).
Reading newly selected trade books as a class and choosing Academic Fair projects has been a mainstay. Teachers are incorporating Terry Johnson’s In His Honor in Grades 7-9 curriculum and Grades 4-6 are beginning the Newberry Award book, My Side of the Mountain. You won’t want to miss this year’s Academic Fair (Sunday, April 29) for you will be able to meet some famous people there including, Ellen G. White, Desmond Doss, Anne Frank, Florence Nightingale, Harriet Tubman, Albert Einstein, and Pocahontas. This year’s theme is on people who have made a positive contribution to society. Besides the usual display boards, models, and reports, this year students will be dressing in complete costume. In preparation students have been learning on how to research and prepare footnotes and Works Cited pages.
Mrs. Wiggin’s (1-3) room recently made cards and a special surprise that was presented to their pen pals at the PTA girl’s dorm. Mr. Stahl’s (4-6) room just completed and entered posters in a safety contest. They have studied and prepared reports on Groundhog Day and a selected U.S. president. Several students have been involved with supplemental studies in French, Spanish, (using computer software) and poetry. Mr. Snow’s (7-9) room has just finished and presented reports on alcoholism and are doing research on chosen animals. Ask Matt about his future pet animal. Roni Grover, Sr. will be returning to school shortly to teach them about astronomy. The finality will be a school-wide visit to USM planetarium.
It was pleasing to see how students all took to the wrapping of literature for the mission field. On March 9, Goldie has also organized an assembly on beavers and Native Americans from the "Museum on Wheels" group. In May we are planning a 2-hour train ride starting in Unity, Mrs. Wiggin’s hometown.
Join us this month (date and place to be announced) as the Forestdale Family will once again show their great support for our students at the Oxford County Spelling Bee. This is the gifted Krystal Hadley’s fourth and last stand (Unless she fails 8th grade). Go Krystal!
This past month Nick, a friend of Frank Glover, donated RAM for our computers. We now have each of our ten networked computers with at least 64 MB of RAM. Thank you, Nick and Frank.
Mystery Topics of the Month
Poem
By Anonymous Author From Our Church
"Home"
They told me you were the one who kept me safe from harm.
They said you’d make my fears melt away and calm the scary storms.
I asked them how they knew this was true,
They tried real hard to explain.
I didn’t understand the answer they gave until this very day.
I was lost, I was scared, and I was very confused.
I didn’t know where to go, or what I should do.
I’d been lead back and forth between wrong and right,
Until I didn’t know which way to go or which war to fight.
And then their words sprung into my head,
Suddenly it all made sense.
They had said you’d be there for me, whether it was night or
day.
They told me you would make it right, all I’d have to do is pray.
So I stopped and prayed and apologized for the times I’d been so wrong.
And they were right, you were there to make a smile from my frown.
So now that I am older (and a bit wiser I hope).
Remember God is always there, he’s ready to bring you home.
IN MY HUMBLE OPINION
by Lamplighter Editor, Christie Hodson
I recently turned 30 years old. I had anticipated this decade as many had
said so many positive things about it. The nearer it came the more petrified I
became of being considered "in my thirties". 29 sounded so youthful,
while verborations of 30 had "adult" overtones. I’ve always
considered myself a kid at heart. I never much favored "growing up".
It seemed to me that adulthood would rob me of my energy, my enthusiasm and my
time, and that it had. This caused me to wrestle with the juxtaposition I found
myself in. A crossroads of sorts where my youth & adulthood were in
competition with each other. My views of adulthood were that I would "know
what I believed", "I would understand every detail of my
denomination". My voice would be heard and my opinions taken seriously. I
would have it "all together" I was anxious to reach this time of
conviction & belief. The harder I tried the more wearisome my religion
became. Gone, it seemed were the days of my youth where new ideas were
fascinating, not a distraction, where Ellen G. White was inspiring not
controversial, where religion was exciting, not burdensome. Then I came to
discover the true gospel of Christ. A gospel so clear, even a child could grasp
it’s concepts. It was then I felt the self-imposed burden of my religion was
lifted. It was then I realized that I needed to retain the innocence and
trustiness of a child because of the forgiving & great God that I served. .
I was also able to realize "because I had become an adult", that my
responsibility because of my love for God was true obedience. Somehow it
was then the mixture of youthfulness & adulthood began to become more clear.
It was then I realized that age mattered not but that it was my choice of
accepting Christ’s robe of righteousness that meant everything. I’m still
trying to get used to the idea of being 30 I’ve come to be more at peace with
God’s acceptance of me as a child of God and as an adult in training, I’m so
grateful to be more at peace knowing that God’s gift of salvation is not
something I can earn but what I’ve been given if I so choose to accept
it. because of God’s eternal love for "his children".
Note
Jesus called a little child to him. He stood the child before the
followers. Then he said, "I tell you the truth. You must change and become
like little children. If you don’t do this, you will never enter the kingdom
of heaven. The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes
himself humble like this child." Matthew 18:2-4
Always be a child
Words and Music by Ray Boltz and Steve Millikan
I was there when you drew the breath of life
And I could hear your voice
The first time that you cried
And though you couldn't see Me
I was very near
And there's something now
That I want you to hear
Chorus:
You will always be a child in my eyes
And when you need some love
My arms are open wide
And even when you're growing old
I hope you realize
You will always be a child in my eyes
I was there the first time that you prayed
And I heard all the promises you made
And when you fell before Me
Crying Father I have sinned
I picked you up
And held you close again.
Chorus:
You will always be a child in my eyes
And when you need some love
My arms are open wide
And even when you're growing old
I hope you realize
You will always be a child in my eyes
Note
Lamplighter on the web
www.hodsonhome.com/woodstocksda
THE VISITOR
Author Unknown
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car,
and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him,
"I always park there. You took my place!"
The visitor went inside for Sabbath School, found an empty seat, and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.
After Sabbath School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit. You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.
Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?"
The visitor replied, "I took your place ".
WANTED
"Artists, Poets, and Authors"
Looking for courageous souls (anonymous if preferred) to share their
talents with the Lamplighter readers. Now is your chance to share your thoughts
through sketch, verse or column. Submit your pieces before the 3rd
Sabbath of each month to the Lamplighter Editor, Christie Hodson or via e-mail
at fchodson@hodsonhome.com
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