Barbara Walton
November 5, 2009
Well, it finally happened; after the storms passed and more than 25 inches of rain in the month of October, God sent a rainbow!! That was a beautiful sight and a wonderful reminder to us that God kept His promise that He made to Noah thousands of years ago. Jan Warwrzyniak, Floy Rea’s daughter, had been working non-stop, due to all the flooding, walked outside to relax a minute and there it was – a perfect rainbow. She immediately called her mother to share the moment with her. On Saturday & Sunday He blessed us once again with perfect Fall days – just cool enough for a sleeve or jacket, just right for a walk in the park, to be followed up with church on Sunday.
On Saturday, Oct. 31st, Peggy Rockett had a visit from her granddaughter, Angela McDonald, from Siloam Springs, AR, who had just returned from a two-week tour of Italy; she brought four big albums of pictures of all she saw. Before going, she had carefully researched and planned the entire trip, including length of stay in each city sights to see, means of transportation and hotel reservations. She and her former college roommate, April, had a wonderful time as they visited each city; Rome, Venice, Florence, different towns in Tuscany, Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalf Coast — a trip that she and April will never forget, and then she enjoyed it again as she shared it with her grandmother, Peggy. Angela is the daughter of the late Kathy Rockett McDonald and Joe McDonald of El Dorado, AR.
Halloween was wonderful this year; the weather was just right and the kids didn’t have to wear coats over their pretty costumes. This a holiday that I especially enjoy because of the excitement of the “ghosts & goblins”. It’s surprising that happiness that a few pieces of candy, a costume, pumpkins, a dark night, and a flashlight can create in the life of a child. may we, as adults, always have this little spark of childishness and enthusiasm that lets us enjoy Halloween with our kids. The possibility of H1N1 germs did bother us a bit this year, however, as kids were cautioned to use hand sanitizers after each visit. This is almost impossible with wiggly, excited kids eager to get to the next house.
Bro. James and Shirley had special company over the weekend – their daughter, Jan and her family, Josh and Avery. Jan and Avery came to church and Josh stayed with his grandmother. HE, also, was in charge of organizing the food for Sunday dinner. Bro. James had cooked veggies and Josh went over to our favorite eating spot, to get the meat and dessert. We appreciate Calvin for opening on Sunday. It sure helps us out with a meal for Sunday company. Jan got to hear one of her dad’s best messages as we begin this season of thankfulness. He took this message from the passage of the cleaning of the ten Lepers by Jesus. One Leper, not only obeyed the Master, but returned to the source of being made whole, and gave thanks. Nine of the Lepers obeyed but didn’t remember to return and thank Jesus for the second chance at life – Only one did. Not a lot has changed in the two thousand years; many people receive blessings daily and quickly forget the source from whence cometh all good things.. A good reminder for each of us as we enter this Thanksgiving season. We appreciate our pastor for gently nudging us to be thankful for God’s Blessing at this time of the year and for all the other things that he does for us throughout the year.
This is a beautiful time of the year; God changes the color of the trees and dresses them in beautiful, red, orange, yellow, and brown (and shades in-between). If you haven’t gotten out and driven around, make a point to do so. Ethelle Colvin, who lives on Risinger road, has a yard that looks like a fairy land – the dogwood, maple, and Bradford pears – sight to see. Be careful when we see such beauty to remember that it is the Creator that made it possible for His children to enjoy His beautiful creations.
There is a reception being given at Canaan Baptist Church in honor of Maurice (Pete) and Meada Post Smith’s 65th Wedding Anniversary. This is being held on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 2:00 – 4 PM. Everybody is invited to come and visit with them.
Thoughts for the Day
If God brings you to it, He will carry you through it. Happy moments to praise God; Difficult moments to seek God; Quiet moments to praise God; Painful moments to trust God: Every moment to Thank God. It’s not what you have in life that counts, but who you have in your life that counts.
Shiloh to Canaan 