Not another one lost? Mstones 11.26.06

Laree gave us all so much to think about in how/what we give thanks for yesterday.

So when the alarm went off this morning, first thought was -- "Ugh! It's Monday."

But second thought was the need to start being thankful quick away like Laree and Heather encouraged.

Said thanks, then noticed Hannah Kate beside me in bed. Then remembered, of all the good stuff that happened over weekend -- the bad. Oreo (kitten number 3 in about as many months) had disappeared yesterday.

We think this happened while trying to haul Christmas tree inside.

This jailbreak resulted in lots of tears (John managed to regain his composure by night fall), but Hannah Kate has unfortunate inability to go back to sleep in middle of night without breathing rag-kitten to hang on to.

So i got up, got all off to school, had to make 2nd pot of coffee (how in world did John consume that much while i was gone?). Steve from Baccus dropped by, parents called for recap of Gator victory, so on and so on.

Almost 10 a.m. and dreadfully behind in all that i was to do. But needed to have quiet time and give more thanks. At least that had been plan when i got up this morning.

So settled down in chair and asked the Lord to let me be quiet and still, if just for these 5 minutes. So was quiet, calm, reading, writing and thanking.

Not 2 minutes into my quiet reflective thanks, i heard something. Tiny rustles. i poised pen and ear -- and most definitely heard tiny scratches. Followed the sound to a block of wood toy in Hannie's -- flipped it over and out sprung Oreo.

Poor guy had been trapped in there almost 24 hours -- from last sighting.

He is practically mute -- so couldn't hear his pathetic bleats.

Will resist temptation to draw inference how Hannah's treasured animal that she was calling for, desperately searching streets of Mad for was never 5 feet from her bed. As in -- What we really are searching for in life is right under our noses all along.

Or how much this whole event screams about the crazy, loud environment that our family exists. So much so that we couldn't hear a poor cat trapped under a 1 foot by 1 foot wooden coffin for 24 hours.

But i will just say that i am thankful that i did listen to Laree yesterday. And listen to the Lord this morning and take time out to be quiet. So i could really hear a mute, trapped cat.

Yes, for a moment of quiet -- i am very thankful.

Laree's Points in Mclass:
1. Thanksgiving is key ingredient to peace. Col. 3:15 (just ask Oreo)
2. Thanksgiving should be offered in all things. Phil 4:6
3. It is pleasing to God when we give thanks.
4.Thanksgiving should be offered fresh everyday. Psalm 118:24 (just ask Oreo.)

Many, Many thanks for great job Laree.

Next week: John Miles

Prayer Requests and Announcements

Please keep Leann Moss in your prayers as she recovers from back surgery.

Keep Garfield Chambers in your prayers. He will have surgery tomorrow for very serious injuries received in car accident. The family is in Indiana indefinitely.

Many, Many thanks to all Mstones who showed up and decorated sanctuary yesterday. Terry and Joe R. were masters up on those ladders with that tree -- and thought we could have lost Joe C. hanging those huge wreathes -- but all survived.

At least 20 m-members showed. very, very good job by all. And i will never, ever again in moment of space out in church think wreath or tree doesn't look adequately fluffed or perfectly hung -- right Kristie?

We will be selling cookbooks in front of Heritage Hall on Friday and Saturday. Also in Fellowship Hall during the lunch on Saturday. Those who would like to help please contact Stephanie or Shelagh.

Christmas Party, December 8 at Couch's. Draw name for toy to bring. Jan. -- June, appetizer. July - December, dessert. Childcare at church re Parent's Night Out.

God Bless, Good Week

and i am very thankful that i found our dear Oreo with my sense of hearing today and not my sense of smell a few weeks from now.

Birds of a Feather.......Mstones 11.19.06

The most excellent Steve Speyer was our learned Mstone professor on Sunday.

He started off reviewing lesson from last week...

There was this 80 to 20 ratio thing which i will ignore out of ignorance for i never took a business class in my life. --

Ok -- In Steve's supposings there are 4 pivotal points in the bible.

Point #1

Creation: God made everything and it was good. Genesis 1

Point #2
Adam and Eve. Lots of F's here. Genesis 3

There was a Fall -- from grace.

That resulted in Fear.

Class discussion revolved around our Failings as humans. Stevo got a most excellent discussion flowing.

So sorry all who missed.

Steve got us thinking about our blessings. Discussion turned to ponderings if our blessings are always good things -- maybe, in the end they are the things keep us separated from true closeness with God.

They become our False Idols.

How do we live our lives Focused on God and not on things, people, approval, money?

Imprisoned.

Point #3

The Crucifixion: Luke 24:44

Steve said that all the events in bible from Point #2 lead up to and point to point #3. Jesus' incredible love for us that resulted in his choice to leave heaven, to die a horrible physical death and to endure separation from His Father.

Father...another F word. Yes, we all have a heavenly Father who is continually standing looking, listening, calling for us.

But as Steve reminded all... it is our choice whether we walk up to that door, open it and enter through to bask in all that eternal perfection, mercy, grace and love.....

Point # 4

The Immaculate Reception. Matt.24:44. (24:36-44)

Okay you babies -- if you have no idea who Franco Harris is, please do own research. i couldn't find picture of actual moment of catch, for guess back then there weren't a trillion photographers parked on sidelines.

Yes, as Steve reminded all that the Father is sending the Bride Groom for an Incredible Reception...like the greatest of all weddings.

But must confide to Steve, i do at times feel same as you expressed in class. FEAR. "....two men will be working in the field; one will be taken and the other left."

Left Behind.......now that is catchy. Might be creative concept and most excellent book title. Will have to file away for future use.

Yes, sometimes if honest have the fear that in my case at last minute there might be this.......



........... Immaculate Deflection.

Yes, is great on football field but in spiritual matters would be real bummer.

But guess that is where FAITH comes in. For no huge defensive end's big paw is going to swat me or us away. We are already through the uprights. Hurrah!

No crazy tribunal of pollsters is going to decide who gets into the Championship game for shot at glory.

There is an open invitation and once accepted... Super Bowl ring, blanket of roses, even the little brown jug -- is ours never, ever to be snatched away.

All we need to do is go out there and FLY........

Great job Steve.....most definitely have to find more than 2 wee weeks for you next year. oh almost forgot to mention, think we had record crowd of at least 45 yesterday.

Next week: the lovely Laree...

Prayer Requests and Announcements:

Karen asked for prayers for all Mstone family travelling near and far for holidays.

Mary asked prayers for teacher Barbara Ingram -- she is pregnant and going to have gallbladder surgery.

Rebecca thanked everyone for prayers for her uncle who had passed away last week on his birthday. Please keep his wife and children in your prayers.

Cindy updated us on the young soldier who had been injured in Iraq. She spent time with him, and he is doing well in spite of health issues and his long road to a full recovery.

All please who are able please come to sanctuary next Sunday, November 26 at 2 p.m. to help hang the greens. childcare available.

Christmas Party is set for December 8, at Couch's. Draw name for gift to be donated. Jan - June appetizer. July - Dec -- dessert.

We are trying to locate order envelope for Christmas ornaments that was being passed around. if you have any info on location of such please let me know.

God Bless, Good Week......

and i am very thankful that God brought all us turkeys together, and

even though we are very different birds of a feather...

we are one heck of an M-flock when all stuck together...... Love... j.