Just Thinking...
I remember being warned (usually by my parents)—there will come a day when you will wish the days, weeks, months, etc. were longer. When I was much younger I would look forward to certain events: Christmas, birthday, driver’s license, my own car, steady girlfriend—do you remember those dreams? Later I looked forward to being married, having my own home, having children, getting paid vacations, etc.
Now I have all those things and so much more! Yet, I still hear that warning in the back of my mind and ask myself at times “were has the time gone?” I realize those near my age and beyond understand exactly what I’m saying while others who are younger have a much different perspective. Time is relative—or is it?
The point is this—time, though we don’t know the exact amount, is a very precious thing. God has given us enough time to work, play, rest, and worship—to serve, study, and help—to live, love, and laugh. God has given each of us sufficient time to do and be all that He desires of us! The problem lies in our misappropriation of the time given us. I have found if I cannot get everything done that I need to do I am usually doing things I don’t need to be doing. Are you using His gift of time wisely?
As always, God bless you—real good!
Pastor Dave & Stacy
PS—we will be vacationing out of town from Aug 27—Sep 2. If an emergency arises please call us—our deacons are also ready to help and serve.
Ministry Highlight - Charter Members
Some more have turned the clock back a couple years...do you know who they are? These two met as teenagers at Bethel Baptist. They accepted Christ during revival services—the same night. Later they were baptized in the same mill pond, again on the same day. It continues to amaze me how God works in the life of His children...bringing these two together at a young age and keeping them together for so long. In fact, looking beyond this life they will be together forever—a wonderful promise.
He would say they met at church, joined the same night, baptized the same day, and been “waddling around ever since!” On September 3, 1943 Oliver and Ann were married. They have served our church for many years in various capacities. Oliver spent many days working on our building. He served as Deacon, Treasurer, Trustee (for 49 years), and even on pulpit committees. He was certainly “pro-church” wanting to see this church grow, doing what he could for it’s benefit. Ann says, “He had more common sense than anyone I’ve ever known” about Oliver.
Ann helped organize and lead our first Sun Beams for several years. She was a faithful nursery worker—loved those children. She also served as Sunday School secretary for many years. Ann always helped with Vacation Bible School—even picking up children on the way to church. She even served on some past pulpit committees, too.
Ann remembers we had a smaller congregation those early years and everyone pitched in—doing what was needed to keep going. Both Oliver and Ann loved serving in may capacities. “God has blessed us through the years!” the blessings have continued with their children (Paula, Jimmy, Donna, and Randy) along with their spouses (Ed, Becky, Linn, and Ginny), and their grandchildren. Ann just beams when talking about her family. Family is important and one of the best things to do is raise our children in church!
All four children accepted Christ and were baptized here at Deep Run First Baptist. Three of the four were married here and three of the four remain actively involved in church ministries here!
Church continues to be a priority for Ann! She remembers on Sunday mornings frying 2 chickens with the fixings, getting 4 children dressed and ready, getting herself ready, and still being on time. This kind of dedication was modeled for them by Mark and Lula Smith (along with many other founding members). A good witness for all of us!
When asked how she could wrap up our “interview,” Ann said—”I’m proud to be a Charter Member of this church. From it’s beginning to where we are now with God’s blessings this will always be our home!
One last thought...if you have not tried any of Ann’s pound cake you are missing a real treat!
Congratulations to our newly elected deacons!
- Ready and willing to serve…Curtis Harper and Bill Taylor
Something to Ponder
- Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life—Proverbs 4:23!
God can heal a broken heart, but He has to have all the pieces
My son, give me your heart…(Proverbs 23:26)
A boy once said to God, “I’ve been thinking—I know what I want when I become a man.” His list included: to live in a big house with two Saint Bernards and a garden...marry a blue-eyed, tall, beautiful woman...have three sons—one a senator, one a scientist, and one a quarterback. He also wanted to be an adventurer who climbed tall mountains...and to drive a red Ferrari.
As it turned out, the boy hurt his knee while playing football. He no longer could climb trees, much less mountains. He married a beautiful and kind woman, who was short with brown eyes. Because of his business, he lived in a city apartment, took cabs, and rode subways. He had three loving daughters, and they adopted a fluffy cat. One daughter became a nurse, another an artist, and the third a music teacher.
One morning the man awoke and remembered his boyhood dream. He became extremely depressed, so depressed that he became very ill. Close to death from a broken heart, he called out to God, “Remember when I was a boy and told You all the things I wanted? Why didn’t You give me those things?”
“I could have,” said God, “but I wanted to make you happy.”
Remember, God wants the best for us! Trust Him with your whole heart—He’s the original heart surgeon.