tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39441404701717586172023-11-16T08:37:12.386-06:00Our God is GreaterLeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-71694218046573250132011-10-04T08:26:00.002-05:002011-10-04T08:26:55.545-05:00Hot Potatoes #7<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hot Potatoes #7 “Is Jesus a Republican?”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pastor Mark said that he has often heard this statement: “How could a Christian be a democrat?” When he pressed further on the subject, it is interesting to see how much we tend to assume that our political ideals and our American lifestyle represent what is should really mean to be a Christian.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jesus was neither a Democrat nor Republican. He is not white, American, or middle class. He never promised that His provision for us would include universal healthcare, home ownership, an automobile, cell phones, or satellite TV for everyone. But isn’t it funny how quickly we assume that our way of life becomes something that we assume Jesus would approve of. If we aren’t careful, we begin to assume that our values reflect Jesus’ values because “we are Christians and we love Jesus and this is how we all live.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We live in a time when most of us support lower taxes because it means that we get to spend more money on ourselves. We live with more luxuries than most cultures in history have ever dreamed of. Yet we are likely to give significant amounts of money to the church or other Christian causes only in those months when we have been sure that we were able to pay our mortgage, insurances, automobile & cell phone bills, and eaten out as often as we like. If Jesus took care of all of those things for us and provided beyond our monthly needs, wants and luxuries, then we might actually give to support Kingdom causes. And after we cover our time commitments to work, exercise, our kids’ sports schedules, and some personal time, if we have anything left we might actually serve in a ministry of the church…unless it’s a pretty day or home game for our favorite team. This has become the middle class American Christian experience today. And it bears no resemblance to Jesus or the movement He began in the 1st Century.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No, Jesus was not a republican, nor was He American or middle class. The time has come for us to stop defending our lifestyle of comfort and luxury and to start pursuing the things and people which matter so much to Jesus. The changes we need to make in America don’t begin in the White House. They start in my house and your house. I must live a life which embodies true Christian values, and I must teach my children to do the same. Whenever I do that, I cast the strongest vote possible for a stronger, better America! The leadership of our states and nation reflect the hearts of those being led. Let’s be a people who stand for Christian values rather than “modern American values,” and let’s teach our children to do the same.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do most “Bible-Belt” Christians see republican leaders as representing the view of Christians more so than Democratic leaders?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What about the “republican agenda” and “democratic agenda” represents Christian values?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where to you see both agendas falling short of Christian values?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How do you think God feels about our current President? …about our Congress?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 13:1-7 “Submission to the Authorities”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">This letter was written to the Christians living in Rome. The Roman government treated Christians very poorly and many were put to death because of their faith.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you were being persecuted and heard this from Paul, what would be your reaction?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How does this apply to us?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How should we go about deciding whom we should vote for in the next Presidential election?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How can we best pray for our nation?<o:p></o:p></b></div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-90344384416736600242011-09-28T16:11:00.002-05:002011-09-28T16:11:46.858-05:00Hot Potatoes #6<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hot Potatoes #6: Are Some People Born Gay?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">We don’t know the answer to the question, “Are some people born gay?” The clinical evidence is inconclusive as to whether people are born with that sexual orientation or if it is an inclination created by circumstance and/or experience. In reality, the answer doesn’t matter. It’s a bit like being a crippled person and trying to figure out if your inability to walk was caused by a birth defect or as a result of an injury caused by being dropped to the ground as a toddler. If YOU are the crippled person, who cares what the answer is? What you want is either a cure or some help coping with the fact that you’re crippled.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“God would never create someone with the inclination towards homosexuality!” That is lousy theology. Do you feel a natural inclination to eat more than you should? Do you ever feel physically attracted to anyone other than your spouse? Do you ever naturally lose your temper? Do you ever enjoy taking part in gossip? You get the idea. You didn’t have to learn these behaviors. Sin is our human nature. Yes, God created us. But sin corrupted us from birth so that we naturally act out in self-destructive ways…including our sexual desires and/or behavior.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you agree/disagree that the answer to “Are some people born gay?” doesn’t really matter?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 1:18-27<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>24Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>26For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Paul was saying:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Paul says here that the root of sexual perversion is rebellion against God’s authority. It is about failing to recognize and submit to God. Why is that a big deal? It is a big deal because when we fail to submit to God’s authority, we don’t just take control of our own lives we move out from under God’s protection and into the very presence and control of evil (inside and outside of us) which is greater than our human will-power to resist.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In verse 27, Paul says that this behavior will result in receiving “due penalty” for their error. What do you think this means?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 1:28-32<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What issues/sins on this list surprise you most to see them listed right alongside sexual sins?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is the final step in depravity that Paul describes in vs. 32?</b> People not only participate in these sins, but they approve of others who do such….as if it were a good thing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why do Christians cry out so loudly against homosexuality, but say little about the other sins listed here?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 2:1-4<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">1Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is it that leads us towards repentance? How does a harsh judgment against homosexuals stand in contrast to vs. 4?<o:p></o:p></b></div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-56143740043276516322011-09-21T16:10:00.001-05:002011-09-21T16:10:24.634-05:00Hot Potatoes #5<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hot Potatoes #5 Why Doesn’t God Answer my Prayers?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Have you ever struggled with this question of unanswered prayer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">that like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you share an example?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you ever get an answer?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Matthew 7:7-11<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">7Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. 9Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? 10Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? 11As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">What is interesting about what Jesus said? Is there any question that Jesus wants us and expects us to believe that God always answers prayer?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Why did Jesus make the comparison in vs. 11 between us and God?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Why do sins disconnect us from God? (1 John 1:9)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It is important to examine your prayers, see James 4:3 about that.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Have you ever had the experience of asking for something in prayer only later to be glad God didn’t answer? What does that teach you?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It is important to examine your hearing. How noisy is your world right now? How can we listen better?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">How can be more effective in our prayers?<o:p></o:p></div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-10158482656932689902011-09-13T07:54:00.002-05:002011-09-13T07:54:38.112-05:00Hot Potatoes #4<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hot Potatoes #4: Is Hell Real?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The 5 Views of “what happens when you die” are:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Naturalism – “we don’t have a soul”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Universalism – “we are all going to heaven” “all religions lead to God”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reincarnation – “there are multiple successions of living”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Annihilationists – “everyone dies (eventually)”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Purgatory – “as a believer, we’ll go to a holding place”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How does the Bible describe hell:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">2 Thess. 1:9 – Separated from God<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matthew 25:30 – Outer Darkness, Weeping and Gnashing<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matthew 25:41 – Eternal Fire, Satan and Demons there<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Luke 16:22-24 – Torment and Anguish<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Having read these verses, how does that make you feel about the reality of hell? How does it make you feel to know that real people go there?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How does knowing about hell change the way you think about your friends and family? What about reaching the lost?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How would you answer the following objections to a belief in a literal place of punishment?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A loving God would not send billions of people to a horrible hell.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->A loving God would be more tolerant.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Eternal judgment in hell is an unjust punishment for people who sin.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Our response to the message on hell:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Rejoice that because of Christ, we don’t have to go there.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Realize that the things we do to get out the Good News are the more important things we do in this life.<o:p></o:p></div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-90027229262337191752011-09-06T08:57:00.000-05:002011-09-06T08:57:02.966-05:00Hot Potatoes #3<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hot Potatoes #3 “Is Divorce Ever OK?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scripture References:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Genesis 2:20-25<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Deuteronomy 24:1-4<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Malachi 2:13-16<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Matthew 5:31-32<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">** Matthew 19-3-10<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">** 1 Corinthians 7:1-17, 39-40<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">** denotes important verses for this lesson<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Important Point:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">God hates divorce primarily because of the terrible pain and hardship that it brings into the lives of His children. God does NOT hate divorced people. He has love and compassion for people who have been through, or are going through, this terrible experience.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Divorce is neither ideal nor God’s first plan for us. But divorce is not some unique or unforgivable sin. And God loves, blesses, and uses divorced people as greatly and as freely as He uses those who have never been divorced.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Discussion:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">The 4 conditions for divorce or separation that Mark discussed on Sunday were Adultery, Abandonment, Abuse, and Addiction. What is your reaction to that summary? Do you agree or disagree?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 19:3-10<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><sup>3</sup></b>And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?" <b><sup>4</sup></b>He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, <b><sup>5</sup></b>and said,'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? <b><sup>6</sup></b>So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." <b><sup>7</sup></b>They said to him, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?" <b><sup>8</sup></b>He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. <b><sup>9</sup></b>And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><sup>10</sup></b>The disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">How would you sum up what Jesus had to say about marriage? Did Jesus negate the possibility of divorce?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Under what condition did Jesus say that divorce was permitted? (The Greek word used by Jesus in 19:9 for “marital unfaithfulness” was “porneia.” It is the root-word from which we get the word “pornography.” Porneia meant “to prostitute yourself or to be sexually unfaithful.”) Do you feel that “marital unfaithfulness” applies to:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->People who have repeatedly used pornography for sexual gratification?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->People who use sex chat calls for sexual gratification?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->People who engage in sexually graphic text and email conversations with someone other than their spouse?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->People who repeatedly or consistently withhold sex from their spouse?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Cor. 7:1-17<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Principles for Marriage<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><sup>1</sup></b>Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."<b><sup>2</sup></b>But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. <b><sup>3</sup></b> The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. <b><sup>4</sup></b>For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. <b><sup>5</sup></b> Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><sup>6</sup></b>Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. <b><sup>7</sup></b> I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><sup>8</sup></b>To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. <b><sup>9</sup></b>But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><sup>10</sup></b>To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband <b><sup>11</sup></b>(but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><sup>12</sup></b>To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. <b><sup>13</sup></b>If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. <b><sup>14</sup></b>For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. <b><sup>15</sup></b>But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. <b><sup>16</sup></b>For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Live as You Are Called<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b><sup>17</sup></b>Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In what ways would our obedience to the instructions in verses 3-6 decrease the likelihood of future divorce?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Note the instructions that Paul gives in verses 10-11, 12-16, and 39.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">If a person has divorced and remarried under conditions which the scriptures would define as adultery, what would you counsel that person to do?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">If you have a friend or one of your adult children who is being abused by his or her spouse, how would you counsel them?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">What is your greatest unanswered question about divorce or remarriage at this point?<o:p></o:p></div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-40956455185045833332011-08-30T14:54:00.000-05:002011-08-30T14:54:19.249-05:00Hot Potatoes #2<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Why do bad things happen to good people?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Job 1<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Job’s Character and Wealth<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>1</sup></b>There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. <b><sup>2</sup></b>There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. <b><sup>3</sup></b>He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Satan Allowed to Test Job<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>6</sup></b>Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. <b><sup>7</sup></b>The LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." <b><sup>8</sup></b>And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" <b><sup>9</sup></b>Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? <b><sup>10</sup></b>Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. <b><sup>11</sup></b>But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."<b><sup>12</sup></b>And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red;">How would you describe Job’s life so far? What surprises you about verses 6-12?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Satan Takes Job’s Property and Children<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>13</sup></b>Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,<b><sup>14</sup></b>and there came a messenger to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, <b><sup>15</sup></b>and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." <b><sup>16</sup></b>While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." <b><sup>17</sup></b>While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." <b><sup>18</sup></b>While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, <b><sup>19</sup></b>and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>20</sup></b>Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. <b><sup>21</sup></b>And he said, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>22</sup></b> In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red;">What did Satan do to Job? What does this tell you about the level of evil and cruelty that the kingdom of darkness would like to bring against you and your family?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red;">Did God cause the death and destruction around Job? Does God ever cause tragedy or evil in our lives?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Job 2<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Satan Attacks Job’s Health<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>1</sup></b>Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD. <b><sup>2</sup></b>And the LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." <b><sup>3</sup></b>And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason." <b><sup>4</sup></b>Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. <b><sup>5</sup></b>But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face." <b><sup>6</sup></b>And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>7</sup></b>So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. <b><sup>8</sup></b>And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>9</sup></b>Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die." <b><sup>10</sup></b>But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">What did you learn from the exchange between God and Satan in these verses?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">If you were in Job’s position would you be more likely to respond as Job did or his wife?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Job 42:10-12<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The LORD Restores Job’s Fortunes<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>10</sup></b>And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. <b><sup>11</sup></b>Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of money and a ring of gold.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><sup>12</sup></b>And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Job 42:15-16<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><sup>15</sup></b>And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. <b><sup>16</sup></b>And after this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, four generations.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">How did things end up going for Job?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Think of the most painful experiences in your life. How did you respond initially to that situation? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">How do you think God used, or will use, that situation or even in your life or in the lives of others?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">What can you take away from Job’s story to encourage you whenever you or your loved ones are facing hardship or tragedy?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-57272630205172001492011-08-24T13:04:00.000-05:002011-08-24T13:04:50.036-05:00Hot Potatoes #1<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Questions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is Jesus the only way to heaven?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">What happens to people who never hear about Jesus?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Main Discussion Points:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">We HAVE heard of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And personal faith in Him is the only way for US to be saved.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">We can trust that what God does what is right with people who never hear of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">We have no reason to conclude that the person who has never heard of Jesus “will just be OK since God is a loving being.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only confidence we can have that they will be saved is for them to hear the gospel message and place their faith in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Group Discussion:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You have been asked the question, “Is Jesus the only way to heaven?” How would you answer this? (beyond yes or no)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">If a person says, “Your view of God is very intolerant to other religions. Why would God send a devout <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Muslim, Hindu, etc. to hell?” How would you respond?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">See John 3:16-18</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Has God revealed himself to everyone in the world?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">See Psalm 19:1-4, Colossians 1:21-23, Titus 2:11-12, Romans 1:16-21<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">On Sunday, Mark suggested that there is a way in which God’s judgment of us is tied to how much we know about Him and about His expectations for us. Do you agree or disagree?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>See Romans 2:12-16<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Do you believe that God sometimes just “shows up” in our dreams (or otherwise) and reveals himself and a way of salvation for people who have never heard about Jesus?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">See Acts 10:1-7: Cornelius had never before heard of Jesus. Did he already have a relationship with God?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">What is necessary for a person to have a relationship with God and to go to heaven?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>See 1 Cor. 15:1-4: What is the “gospel”?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Read Romans 10:14-15. Does this passage have an impact in terms of how you view those who are lost?<o:p></o:p></div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-55631327723471039232011-08-16T14:49:00.000-05:002011-08-16T14:49:18.592-05:00Dinner at Vitoli'sWe're meeting at vitoli's in Robertsdale tomorrow (8/17) @ 6PM!<br />
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Here's some directions just in case:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=vitolli's+robertsdale+al&fb=1&gl=us&hq=vitolli's&hnear=Robertsdale,+Baldwin,+Alabama&z=14&vpsrc=0&iwloc=A&cid=7179096711699027924&ll=30.53755,-87.70839&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=vitolli's+robertsdale+al&fb=1&gl=us&hq=vitolli's&hnear=Robertsdale,+Baldwin,+Alabama&z=14&vpsrc=0&iwloc=A&cid=7179096711699027924&ll=30.53755,-87.70839&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
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Also, here are some cool facts about COTES that we learned last Sunday:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Over the course of the past 12 months, COTES has…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Grown from one campus to three campuses plus a weekly Sunday service at LifeTech (in Thomasville) which runs over 100 men in attendance in each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this has all been done without incurring any new debt!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Baptized 131 people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Had 375 adults complete our Accelerate new member class.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Seen our total average Sunday attendance grow by almost 30% this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sent nearly 60 members on mission trips to Cuba (twice), Haiti, Ukraine, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Guatemala (coming in October).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Medically treated 3,500 patients in the bush regions of Tanzania during our June trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Led over 2,600 people to faith in Christ in Tanzania during our June trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Adopted well over 150 children in March through Compassion International.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sent our first full-time career missionary (Mary Purvis) to Guatemala.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Created a Child Survival Program outside Arusha, Tanzania which is caring for 50 families (and is fully supported by COTES).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Held our first “Taking It to the Streets Sunday” which involved hundreds of volunteers taking part in dozens of local of mission projects.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spent more than $250,000 on missions this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Paid down our current church debt by more than $400,000 this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Seen 97 adults saved through the Hope Center.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Ø<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Seen the Hope Center treat 1,767 patients on our campus this year.</div>Michael & Melissa Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864805763216972280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-69233275670239920462011-05-11T21:30:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:35:11.511-05:00Homecoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGD2V99FaZT9mwvQSXXIWKjkj8FN9iwiEzqXROgqhuEKDoK5yw7ceA7Ll_0RYiP07azSGcmeJer5u2cGLJEjHjQAswFEAOre3P-VlYCCpFEi4Rhh-nVcmpTqK0HkvS187IMTFeH00f-6H/s1600/homecoming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGD2V99FaZT9mwvQSXXIWKjkj8FN9iwiEzqXROgqhuEKDoK5yw7ceA7Ll_0RYiP07azSGcmeJer5u2cGLJEjHjQAswFEAOre3P-VlYCCpFEi4Rhh-nVcmpTqK0HkvS187IMTFeH00f-6H/s320/homecoming.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Welcome Home, Jeremy!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-19751823263461068072011-03-28T22:49:00.000-05:002011-03-28T22:49:38.790-05:00The Church has Left the Building<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yesterday we had the priviledge of participating in the church-wide "Taking it to the Street" community service day. Each small group was able to chose a service project to do sometime yesterday. The services were abbrevated so that we could get out into the community and get busy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our group chose to take breakfast to the Ronald McDonald House. I don't know that any of us really had an idea of what it would really be like, but I think it far exceeded all of our expectations! We all left wanting to come back and help at RMH!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT-nXG0NwNIhLNDPLTLsr90eH8f8EbmVHcMAAEz-2-YaER4q4swoB7nBx7l-pfMz00JnXwPEySZ62y7FU35pTp_av8Jf6jK91Z1hmyFaLZvDtInUbRJgfQXyUh26HldoxF8b24R9B0om3/s1600/IMG_3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT-nXG0NwNIhLNDPLTLsr90eH8f8EbmVHcMAAEz-2-YaER4q4swoB7nBx7l-pfMz00JnXwPEySZ62y7FU35pTp_av8Jf6jK91Z1hmyFaLZvDtInUbRJgfQXyUh26HldoxF8b24R9B0om3/s320/IMG_3613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdulsPaBACq9fzDWqwVAdJtQg1fSIbTIfPNvAEGsf3OXfIGy6rlKmh0r42OlsG4hd7hyNd5h55py0V23d8QK7s6Paqj8ZJL8Czi2KAZy8WAX10YseRgLwyiZ5u7wYrS_j2en9GTG5ITu8F/s1600/IMG_3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdulsPaBACq9fzDWqwVAdJtQg1fSIbTIfPNvAEGsf3OXfIGy6rlKmh0r42OlsG4hd7hyNd5h55py0V23d8QK7s6Paqj8ZJL8Czi2KAZy8WAX10YseRgLwyiZ5u7wYrS_j2en9GTG5ITu8F/s320/IMG_3600.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIDcGXP5jhxfLj0ul0hyvcRvNUDhLK7T2Tr3Udyrh5ZaBYU5y_fL_ZuZem4QBIC_2y9f38Qc7hWE-P-aXIoAV0stZCksr8cxNHaDhn4u8lgLflVEfUthdEDhFkiscTVuwo262EP-G7EIG/s1600/Breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIDcGXP5jhxfLj0ul0hyvcRvNUDhLK7T2Tr3Udyrh5ZaBYU5y_fL_ZuZem4QBIC_2y9f38Qc7hWE-P-aXIoAV0stZCksr8cxNHaDhn4u8lgLflVEfUthdEDhFkiscTVuwo262EP-G7EIG/s320/Breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Working hard...or hardly working!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwgGzsX0FTpbHK6SsEHPDhIzKdZd2_pE-ht1joYWyqsS7SFo8xo1FI11FsuZ7PSGWFC3JjHfJkDOxKTeZQdfIrP8RbgY0icvInES8yaxG5eWb19UHGKv7CnrzK1KAsV9ZTEqUxvLcd74c/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwgGzsX0FTpbHK6SsEHPDhIzKdZd2_pE-ht1joYWyqsS7SFo8xo1FI11FsuZ7PSGWFC3JjHfJkDOxKTeZQdfIrP8RbgY0icvInES8yaxG5eWb19UHGKv7CnrzK1KAsV9ZTEqUxvLcd74c/s320/IMG_3602.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv-jgGQ9RqO7U0CZBGwGPNeVWYLLf40wkY4FdiaILUCiz7TwrhpApFN1AG1PSn3PPO5Lyx2Gr83bmVvGoykBsCmP54Xq1ygGtEbysoicpKG5DO-pyGf54WuQz65dEm-OeMFCKubxSq3Mc/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv-jgGQ9RqO7U0CZBGwGPNeVWYLLf40wkY4FdiaILUCiz7TwrhpApFN1AG1PSn3PPO5Lyx2Gr83bmVvGoykBsCmP54Xq1ygGtEbysoicpKG5DO-pyGf54WuQz65dEm-OeMFCKubxSq3Mc/s320/IMG_3606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">The sweet boys ready to help serve.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9Vt-MW7UI6rBqYZIAazzp3T_bJ0ya2f3Lmrp81WL4nb95zx_7PxpXUlTVZ04uLAm5-k9EjXzxrSsr17LBhYEpiTH2HxiuBDG3k2p0E3F2ubM0otTcvoOGT0X-fTFypaS1unjT_io6XpS/s1600/Working+Hard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9Vt-MW7UI6rBqYZIAazzp3T_bJ0ya2f3Lmrp81WL4nb95zx_7PxpXUlTVZ04uLAm5-k9EjXzxrSsr17LBhYEpiTH2HxiuBDG3k2p0E3F2ubM0otTcvoOGT0X-fTFypaS1unjT_io6XpS/s320/Working+Hard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwFhPD3hJGBKHj6O-l7tOkiLCIPmI1FXs4CfXH2ZZhXvUKgCLFNDI-p3nSXHTTTe79Qa7GXe_Xx7au2x8WnbDhNiE85mA_rt2Ip1qugn2Sde66RqH6O_6qb_31qD4caq5JTRjywloqBQp/s1600/McSuite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwFhPD3hJGBKHj6O-l7tOkiLCIPmI1FXs4CfXH2ZZhXvUKgCLFNDI-p3nSXHTTTe79Qa7GXe_Xx7au2x8WnbDhNiE85mA_rt2Ip1qugn2Sde66RqH6O_6qb_31qD4caq5JTRjywloqBQp/s320/McSuite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">We were able to get a tour of the facility and there are 2 McSuites - I love it! (I pretty much still call chicken nuggets Mcnuggets - ha.)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxLVigpWv1Dp1OslPc_2OHvySMd6mQEt_SZoLZUIz_vw_X7e6lPQgeAtOuJGsguX4DcS17W-F0VZ2TrGwCk_lkgwSBOabF-4qSy1bmdlAnNwC_uhtE3S5iZcKZsu77LPzbDcMhuwzusJS/s1600/Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxLVigpWv1Dp1OslPc_2OHvySMd6mQEt_SZoLZUIz_vw_X7e6lPQgeAtOuJGsguX4DcS17W-F0VZ2TrGwCk_lkgwSBOabF-4qSy1bmdlAnNwC_uhtE3S5iZcKZsu77LPzbDcMhuwzusJS/s320/Sign.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Look, there we are!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMTH8ErQpJ9eMwf0cPDiwdn-vV7xxsirYuLVNZ3ElO3Fhkz7Uss_FnsmBKsiG7udZSv9c_6f-NaCKXY9il7TR_WycaGWXOMoLxibo72KBNp2uK0sGR-trSD72xAqrbGoK4FR6a4Dwe_2-/s1600/Ronald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMTH8ErQpJ9eMwf0cPDiwdn-vV7xxsirYuLVNZ3ElO3Fhkz7Uss_FnsmBKsiG7udZSv9c_6f-NaCKXY9il7TR_WycaGWXOMoLxibo72KBNp2uK0sGR-trSD72xAqrbGoK4FR6a4Dwe_2-/s320/Ronald.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBsSpcu3PBt4b0AUPczpBj4o_fCk5pvzU_woR5UIVNWLDz7p6xROPk8YXSoMjQ8yOISWnGy4IJ4Jq1UtkdaI4q0mKtmDLenWPVmazsHwjeiXE9HZuXzVkn7mTngpEIaci6e3GkR8wA5He/s1600/IMG_3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBsSpcu3PBt4b0AUPczpBj4o_fCk5pvzU_woR5UIVNWLDz7p6xROPk8YXSoMjQ8yOISWnGy4IJ4Jq1UtkdaI4q0mKtmDLenWPVmazsHwjeiXE9HZuXzVkn7mTngpEIaci6e3GkR8wA5He/s320/IMG_3612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you, Ronald McDonald House, for letting us bring breakfast yesterday. I hope you were blessed as much as we were!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-86490745550665923392011-03-15T21:06:00.000-05:002011-03-15T21:06:04.846-05:00St. Patty's Day<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love how our dinners have a theme and this week did not let us down - we celebrated St. Patrick's Day. We had a wonderful spread of the most tender pork tenderloin, a super yummy potato casserole, green bean salad (to go with the "green" theme) and mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVpKVLOaNhTndsrrx7Aps1LdAs8pxohhpcYaanGq4buHLz17ZvjA9bzodxqP2D3nrmplnqj4bhPzD4sVRqqfL2wM6vOZjew9T4AVyMbJXVTyXL27AzU1t9-Xr6Or1RfZ7YQQg5VyIb5sm/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVpKVLOaNhTndsrrx7Aps1LdAs8pxohhpcYaanGq4buHLz17ZvjA9bzodxqP2D3nrmplnqj4bhPzD4sVRqqfL2wM6vOZjew9T4AVyMbJXVTyXL27AzU1t9-Xr6Or1RfZ7YQQg5VyIb5sm/s320/IMG_3544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are still working our way through our L.O.V.E. book. This week we talked a little more about what exactly each of us are. There are 2 main questions that were asked - 1) Are you project or people oriented and 2) Are you fast paced or slow paced?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Once you answer these basic questions you can catch a glimpse of your personality style. Can't wait to hear about the rest of the group and finish reading the book!</span></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-49511486246862759182011-03-07T22:22:00.000-06:002011-03-07T22:22:45.645-06:00L.O.V.E.<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are taking a break from the sermon series and doing our own independent study - "L.O.V.E. - Putting Your Lovestyles to Work for You" by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mtngdVr0ZYvTy1lGLrll2uduSs6GJ4yrDs02HCFb7X8fhBS4-bdOglddDoxVaFJPUb7406N9HH7t6JzxMEWpssZ8lNb3RDG6Hbd_F56mIbtnFeQhlOYErr9qhd2CFk8nlYjPm_RJrj5q/s1600/LOVE09%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mtngdVr0ZYvTy1lGLrll2uduSs6GJ4yrDs02HCFb7X8fhBS4-bdOglddDoxVaFJPUb7406N9HH7t6JzxMEWpssZ8lNb3RDG6Hbd_F56mIbtnFeQhlOYErr9qhd2CFk8nlYjPm_RJrj5q/s320/LOVE09%255B1%255D.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tonight we went over the first chapter and it was a good introduction to what is to come! Brad and I took the online assessment test and found out that what we thought our lovestyle was and is different from what the assessment test said we were (I hope that makes sense). I thought that was really interesting and I can't wait to dig deeper!</span>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-36429907854357872872011-01-23T06:46:00.002-06:002011-01-23T06:46:00.246-06:00Christmas Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, I am way late on this but I wanted to share some pictures from our Christmas party! We missed everyone that couldn't make it! I hope Michael had a great time playing his first-ever Dirty Santa! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPE5B2Vi0mMGUsWrbb93cvUvL_8wlfjBEsl0hnx7VQuzVWnad27f6JhoAn5OB5ohUv2FQYaaB4NzXwNjuYIY6073yp-WNmldZMExycmWAQmXIVyltWJYWuXAyTlzTSmTAwBVI9l2_7TfU/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPE5B2Vi0mMGUsWrbb93cvUvL_8wlfjBEsl0hnx7VQuzVWnad27f6JhoAn5OB5ohUv2FQYaaB4NzXwNjuYIY6073yp-WNmldZMExycmWAQmXIVyltWJYWuXAyTlzTSmTAwBVI9l2_7TfU/s320/IMG_2833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuxTbOZ70ac4bbfzbayBKmhA0pwSO6TAD1jXZcrHu4FgSJUGGUS_uUxqo38K7uhh_tHtmVo7YJslLCnxS8YTAojA22mqj2AGaTdWC0R25_jMX9m4ixHuZSvQKxTup0JT-Sr5kyhwYJoLu/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuxTbOZ70ac4bbfzbayBKmhA0pwSO6TAD1jXZcrHu4FgSJUGGUS_uUxqo38K7uhh_tHtmVo7YJslLCnxS8YTAojA22mqj2AGaTdWC0R25_jMX9m4ixHuZSvQKxTup0JT-Sr5kyhwYJoLu/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-34477489633577946232011-01-21T13:54:00.000-06:002011-01-21T13:54:22.230-06:00Restart Your Career<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We are in the middle of the series "Restart Your Life" and this past Sunday's message about restarting your career. It is refreshing to hear these real life applications of the Bible! I thought I would take the outline and bring out a few key points.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>1) Change is more invitable than ever, so expect to make multiple career changes over time.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Example - Joseph (Gensis 37: 3 - 4, 28)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Changing jobs is not a declaration of failure; your willingness to change can be how you embrace what has next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ecclesiastes 3:1 - <em>There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven</em> (makes me think of the movie "Footloose")</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>2) Your self-worth should come from who you are and not from what you do.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Genesis 39:4, 20 & 22</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Colssians 3:23 - <em>Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>3) Employers want people with current skills and insights so be a life-long learner and embrace technology.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Genesis 41:39 - 40</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Proverbs 19:8 - <em>Those who love learning will succeed.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think COTES has really embraced this and God is blessing. Who knows what else God has instore for the church as we move through 2011. It is so neat to see the Thomasville campus officially start and see the Gautier, MS campus find a building. I never would have dreamed a church could form through an internet feed of the pastor being projected through - so awesome! I thought it was neat to hear Pastor Mark talk about the Church on the Eastern Shore really being the church BEYOND the Eastern Shore.</span>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-75604814568418089612010-12-10T12:32:00.000-06:002010-12-10T12:32:11.516-06:002/1 Info./Update<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't know how much I have shared, but one of our group members is serving our country in Afghanistan now. I feel really funny sharing about this stuff because I don't want to cause any harm to him or his family. After talking with Elizabeth, she said it was ok to share different things she sends because she has already "screened" them. I guess I am just funny about this stuff since I work for the federal government - all those times I took the Anti-terriorism training has paid off!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">First, I would like to share a few prayer requests from Elizabeth - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">* Please pray for the family of Corporal Chad Wade. Cpl Wade was with 2/1 in Afghanistan and gave the ultimate sacrafice. His wife, Katie, as well as all his loved ones need prayers as they face this very difficult time. Please lift them up in your daily prayers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">*Lt. Glavey lost both legs, but we THANK and PRAISE GOD for the life we still have. Lt. Glavey is now back in San Diego recovering at the Naval hospital and progressing very well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank you all for all the prayers and please continue to pray for Jeremy and the others safety as we go through this deployment. Daily prayers are the most important thing any of us can do for Jeremy and all those who serve. Also, I know some of you have seen about 3/5 in Afghanistan and some of you weren't sure if that is Jeremy's unit. Now you know he is in 2/1, not 3/5, but 3/5 needs all your prayers as well. They have had many many losses and injuries and all those families as well as the marines still there need your prayers. 3/5 is also a Marine infantry battallion in Afghanistan in the same area as 2/1. Thank you all again for continued prayers for Jeremy and all the Marines and all those serving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">She also shared this article with us - <a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/marines-fear-toy-guns-could-bring-real-problems-in-afghanistan-1.127969">http://www.stripes.com/news/marines-fear-toy-guns-could-bring-real-problems-in-afghanistan-1.127969</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After reading this article it really makes you think about what it is like to be a solider in a war zone. How do you decide what to do about the toy guns? Do you buy them to get them off the market and risk more coming in? Do you let anyone buy them and then risk encountering them at a later time?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank you for your prayers! I know all of the 2/1 soliders and their families appreciate it!</span>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-16577294065374914582010-11-22T15:07:00.000-06:002010-11-22T15:07:54.750-06:00Praying for the Impossible<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the highlights of my week is getting together with small group! I just enjoy talking, catching up with everyone and talking about our Lord! We did not have Michael's handy dandy question/scripture sheets and I normally use that as a base for the blog post. I think Michael had just out done himself the week before by priniting it in color - ha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think Melissa summed up our lesson pretty well - pray for the impossible to happen; nothing is too big for our God and our scripture was Genesis 15:1 - 6.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As we talked about Abraham and Sarah, one question came to mind - if God has a plan for us, why do pray? Why do we ask for God to do certain things when we already know He has our future planned? Any thoughts from anybody? I think it would be interesting to do a study on prayer and God's will in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Okie doke - on to a short work week!</span>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-48096276402227115622010-11-17T07:19:00.000-06:002010-11-17T07:19:04.687-06:00Walk by Faith<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I was driving to work this morning I heard the song, "Walk by Faith," by Jeremy Camp. It made me think about what we talked about last week. We have to walk by faith when answering the call of Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The lyrics read as ~</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Would I believe you when you would say <br />
Your hand will guide my every way <br />
Will I receive the words You say <br />
Every moment of every day <br />
<br />
Well I will walk by faith <br />
Even when I cannot see <br />
Well because this broken road <br />
Prepares Your will for me <br />
<br />
Help me to win my endless fears <br />
You've been so faithful for all my years <br />
With one breath You make me new <br />
Your grace covers all I do <br />
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Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face <br />
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace</span></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-23713177394815837182010-11-16T21:37:00.000-06:002010-11-16T21:37:23.568-06:00Answering the Call<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let me start by saying sorry this has taken me so long to write. I had all the intentions in the world of writing last Thursday but it just didn't happen (and hasn't happened since). Also, we missed you, Jason and Kristen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last Wednesday we talked about answering the call. The question was asked has there ever been a time in your life when had to make a big decision? I think we can all answer yes. For us, one of our big decisions was deciding to move to Mobile. It was only after a lot of prayer that we were able to make the decision. Then after we made the decision to move everything started to fall into place, like our house sold in a week and a half and I found a job without really even looking and it paid for our move.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One of the points Pastor Mark brought up during the sermon was that just because you feel a call to ministry doesn't mean you need to jump in right away; there is training involved. Just like you can't say, "hey, I want to be a doctor", and then the next day start practicing medicine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After getting to reflect on what we had talked about I started thinking about how we made this big decision in 2008 and there have been a couple of other "big" things we have decided on but nothing really like the move. Just because I don't have a "big" decision to make doesn't mean I don't need to be constantly seeking God's will for my life. It should be a daily thing. I should be looking at what does God want me to do today, this week, this month, this year, this lifetime and what am I doing to make that happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ok, I guess that is about it. Hope to see everyone tomorrow night!</span>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-15058403010414797992010-11-04T21:49:00.000-05:002010-11-04T21:49:15.123-05:00Harvest Sunday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last night it was just the White's and Wright's. We missed everyone else but had a good time visiting and learning together. Our topic stemmed from Sunday's "Harvest" message and our small group scripture came from Acts. We talked about 4 different Holy Spirit encounters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Melissa raised a very interesting question that really hit home for me, "do you believe 'once saved, always saved'". I think we all agreed yes, that once we are saved, we are always saved. But then you get into are you really saved or are one of the seedlings that fell in the rocky soil? Are you one of the ones who is truly sorry but you do not make a change in your life? Are you bearing fruit? While we all sin and we will always continue to do so, are we actively seeking God?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Back to the 4 encounters - I thought it was neat that the Holy Spirit spoke differently in each encounter. God uses each of us differently and just because we are going through the same thing as someone else, it doesn't mean God is going to use us in the same way or speak to us in the same way. I think Michael said it great - we are each to have a relationship with God. Relationships in our normal, day to day lives is different for each of us and so is our relationship with God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What an awesome God we serve!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Scripture from the week:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Acts 19 : 1 - 7</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Acts 2 : 1- 8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Acts 2: 36 - 39</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Acts 8 : 14 - 17</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Acts 10 : 44 - 48</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ephesians 1 : 13 - 14</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1st Corinthians 12 : 4 - 11</span>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-62741241386950015722010-10-31T23:38:00.001-05:002010-10-31T23:39:30.006-05:00Down on the Farm<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Fall Festival Tailgate was today - wahoo! We had a great time "down on the farm"! All of our hard work paid off! We even won the "Heartburn Award" thanks to Melissa's gourmet buffalo pigs in a blanket. Thanks to everyone for making it so fun! I can't wait to see what we do next year. **If you had your taken with our animal backdrop and would like to see the pics, click on the album to the right.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_3nYbWENfhClr8LintKHyIEvKi5fl4rOgB_Xo623MoT5gvtOMF5-q1tSTMNr68g3jGDWSj2gNHJny92-05v-4MHF40phJKGCx6v2qbA_FCMpPluumZEkEVw58RU8IHuxbaXA-deWXrKL/s1600/IMG_2493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_3nYbWENfhClr8LintKHyIEvKi5fl4rOgB_Xo623MoT5gvtOMF5-q1tSTMNr68g3jGDWSj2gNHJny92-05v-4MHF40phJKGCx6v2qbA_FCMpPluumZEkEVw58RU8IHuxbaXA-deWXrKL/s320/IMG_2493.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944140470171758617.post-88932589468684799782010-10-31T10:21:00.003-05:002010-11-18T13:57:17.301-06:00Welcome!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hi! We are the White 242 Group at the Church on the Eastern Shore in Fairhope, AL. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp_1Mse2PW0f9Ne2EkdoDHTlcyh-OvNoB_Giy4c2ajjMLXPiYWu4MHKDxd3KNGXmE9b_lJXt2T5TKSNC1wmZMbSQxuV1OBb7UxyQOXC_ckNys13oG0VO5tGVa0_7fDkW3-q-tIf9Pazmv/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp_1Mse2PW0f9Ne2EkdoDHTlcyh-OvNoB_Giy4c2ajjMLXPiYWu4MHKDxd3KNGXmE9b_lJXt2T5TKSNC1wmZMbSQxuV1OBb7UxyQOXC_ckNys13oG0VO5tGVa0_7fDkW3-q-tIf9Pazmv/s320/IMG_1960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Michael and Melissa White, our fearless leaders</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkRFLee6Pi_66rQH0LD3dP1KcS_DKRNWjATfx12BatRfMt2EPhGYC_WfxzvdTMMvYnOGEFUCQK7LbrfIwMLoQHk-ZcRX8spmOg10qL9Sdty-DO7mN0G8emTR3CUmuXO70Nwp5w7NVfeei/s1600/Woerner+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkRFLee6Pi_66rQH0LD3dP1KcS_DKRNWjATfx12BatRfMt2EPhGYC_WfxzvdTMMvYnOGEFUCQK7LbrfIwMLoQHk-ZcRX8spmOg10qL9Sdty-DO7mN0G8emTR3CUmuXO70Nwp5w7NVfeei/s320/Woerner+Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Woerner's - Jason, Kristen, Charlie and Gus</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH79MdLrdiPPT31elbfk6wPtPg4-EVIRfaTZF8DChDI2FJj09_LG5MvzI8bX5GD6Xs-GhAZqSaXXYHKcuzhltqwgRTgGAs94A8v9WcXlo2X9rsb4NXC0IXLsAHm97-eGphOWjvF_JKDaJ/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH79MdLrdiPPT31elbfk6wPtPg4-EVIRfaTZF8DChDI2FJj09_LG5MvzI8bX5GD6Xs-GhAZqSaXXYHKcuzhltqwgRTgGAs94A8v9WcXlo2X9rsb4NXC0IXLsAHm97-eGphOWjvF_JKDaJ/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amber, Reed, and Caden Hawkins</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8n2RAoSP7c6GDioBOg7l-wBjZtOw7OAQ7wplIvuJ1G2C-OAaGQ5xojYA139rrBM7NrQUHbY-7x3XofOmfI3AHsgcvwrkjRV628S8LRreBG3IGspxdgB2Y6aozvDKDgWuK5jC57foCmiK/s1600/Collins+family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8n2RAoSP7c6GDioBOg7l-wBjZtOw7OAQ7wplIvuJ1G2C-OAaGQ5xojYA139rrBM7NrQUHbY-7x3XofOmfI3AHsgcvwrkjRV628S8LRreBG3IGspxdgB2Y6aozvDKDgWuK5jC57foCmiK/s320/Collins+family.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jeremy, Elizabeth, Hayden and Gavin Collins </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brad, LeeAnn, and Paige Wright</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051794520465199289noreply@blogger.com0