Chandler F.U.M.C.
by Linda G. Keeling

"Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked.

A man reaps what he sows:" Galatians 6: 7

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" Galatians 6: 9

A good friend asked me what it means to me to be a Christian? Oh man did that startle my brain into high gear. I have been a member of a church all my life. If there was a revival in town you could bet my Grandmother went and of course I went with her.

But to define what it means to be a Christian, I am in the dark, because God has not really put me to the test. God will put us all to task at sometime in our life. Will I be able to pass? God has put a few stumbling blocks in my way, such as death of my husband 10 years ago, a grandson diagnosed with cancer 4 months after my husband's death and a grandson with a skull fracture. But these situations are just a part of life.

No, I don't think he has tested me and yes I wonder if I can pass the test. But with faith, hope and my Church family beside me maybe I can find the true meaning of being a Christian. "For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastics: 12:14

Contributed by Betty Wallace, member since 1997

Church Council Member, Co-Chairman of the CARE Ministry

Church Office Volunteer

As to Mrs. Wallace sharing that she has never been truly tested is the true test of her Christianity. Psalms 18: 35 "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." For Betty is as Confucius stated, "The superior person that is modest in their speech, but exceeds in their actions."

Our prayers for Ken Reid has been answered as he is now home recuperating. We hope he recovers speedily and will continue his duties at the Church. We miss you very much Ken, and pray you will recover your health soon.

Please put on your calendar Sunday, January 14: The New Plainsmen Quartet Concert will be at 6pm, in the Sanctuary. The last time they performed at the Church, it was an outstanding program. So call your friends and neighbors. It will be a rewarding and joyous toe tapping time.

The registration forms for the Jennifer Kennedy Dean "First Love Revival," which will be held February 16, 17 and 18, are located in the Sanctuary, or Church office. You may also contact Sandy Dinsmore at (903)-849-3887 for more information. The registration fee will be $25 for couples and $15 for singles. For information about Mrs. Dean, check out her web site at www.prayinglife.org.

Triple L's first meeting of the year, is Wednesday. Join the group of ladies and gentleman for games and lunch. Call Chris Martin if you don't know what to bring. Remember that triple L stands for Life, Love and Laughter. It is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Happy Anniversary to: Carolyn and Lowell Wood, and Jack and Jeanette Irwin.

"Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated, often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them" by Sydney Smith

Happy Birthday to: Lowell Wood, Maria Graef, Shelia Spencer, Elvin White, Ross Mallette, Coy Ellis, Nelda Horton, Louise Callaway, Cheryl McFarland, Julie Travis, Donny Wilson, and Danae Luckert.

"There is a time to be born, and a time to die," says Solomon, and it is the memento of a truly wise man; but there is an interval between these two times of infinite importance" by Richmond in Leaves of Gold.