S.S.

Hey Team,

It was great to see all 46 of you who were in Sunday School last week. While we don't want to get hung up on counting "noses," we do celebrate each time that each individual is involved in some type of Bible Study, Christian fellowship, etc.

If you haven't been in a while, it is a great time to start back as we begin a new unit by Dr. James MacDonald about personal revival from his book, Downpour.

Hope to see you Sunday. In the meantime, I want to share with you some wisdom from Chuck Swindoll (see below).

Press on.
Andrew

"I'm going to hit the gym at 5:30 every morning, and I'll start tomorrow." "I'm going to clean out and organize the garage and keep it spotless from now on." "I'm going to give up French fries . . . for good this time!"

I love the old saying, "A New Year's resolution goes in one year and out the other." How true! We always begin a new year with the best intentions, making resolutions to change this or stop that. But no matter how hard we try, even the best choices fall by the wayside, ready to be picked up again the following January.

This year, let's do something different. Rather than making the same old promises we're sure to break, let's explore the way Jesus lived on earth. His example can be summarized in one simple sentence: "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52 NIV).

Did you catch those four specific areas? Jesus grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. And if our ultimate goal is to become like Him, we need to mature in each of these four characteristics as well.

I was fortunate enough to spend several years studying at Dallas Theological Seminary under the tutelage of Dr. Howard Hendricks. The mentor and friend I affectionately call "Prof" motivated me to grow in every area of my life, to seek balance and a godly perspective, and to pursue Christ with every thought and action. I value his teaching greatly. And his challenge still deeply resonates with me today, so much so that I'd like to share with you a few of his wise words that I remember well:

You cannot fully develop spiritually unless you develop in life's other areas as well—intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. You cannot neglect one of these areas without endangering your growth in all of them. Likewise, you cannot grow in any one of these areas without also having an effect on all the others.

Let's start this year with a realistic resolution. Let's highlight some areas of our lives where we can grow intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially

Prayer Requests for January 11, 2009

Prayer Requests

• Steve Henson & family in the death of his mother
• Jeff Unfried & family in the death of his mother
• Tim Workman-as he travels
• The Bryants
• Steve, a friend of the DeCourseys, having more tests ran
• Clay Rawlins- in St Thomas after suffering a heart attack
• College kids heading back to school

Praises

• Jeff Newton- new job with the state
• all of the guests that are coming to our church

Prayer Request

Many of you know Jeff and Beth Unfried. Jeff's mother, Patsy Unfried, died unexpectantly this morning of an apparent heart attack. Please be in prayer for this wonderful family including Patsy's husband, Stanley, who has had many health problems of his own. Some of you may also remember Jeff's sister, Angela, who graduated from high school with me.

Press on.

Andrew

S.S,

Hey Team,

What's on you mind today?

As we conclude our study of Ephesians 4 this Sunday, remember that our progress in the process of spiritual transformation depends in large part on the focus of our minds, thoughts and attitudes. So, what's on your mind today?

Shower Invitation (Women only)

All women are invited to attend a bridal shower for Mike and Joelette Woolfolk's daughter, Angie, this Saturday, January 10, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the home of John and Beth Peck, 643 Hurl Way. The event is being hosted by Beth, Jennifer Meacham, Lisa Powell, Sherrie Smith, Pat Stevenson, and Eva Self. Angie is registered at Town and Country, Gracious Me and Walmart.

New Sunday School Class

I am a big proponent of starting new Sunday School classes in an effort to reach as many people as possible. This Sunday, a new couples class will begin at FBC. The class will be taught by Jack and Bettye Ferrell and will be in Room 119 in the basement (just down the hall from our class). If you or anyone you know may be interested in this class, I want to encourage you to attend, invite, and promote as you feel led. Thanks to Jack and Bettye for taking on this challenge.

Press on.

Andrew

Prayer Requests for January 4, 2009

Prayer Requests

• Teachers & students as school starts back
• June Nicholson-had an allergic reaction and was hospitalized
• Jacob Grigsby-friend of the White's
• Bryant Family-in the death of their daughter
• Todd Utley-Kahle's employee that was in the auto accident is battling staph infections

Praises

• Sarah Pinson is celebrating her 15th Birthday today
• Youth Conference this past weekend and the decisions that were made
• All of the guests that were in attendance in our Sunday School class

Hope everyone had a Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year.

Let's make 2009 the year that we all make a difference for GOD!