Family News

August 15, 2004

SHORT  BY
STUFF   DAVE SHANER

We have been discussing feelings the last two weeks, in Short Stuff. Randy Hohf, the preacher in Sandpoint, writes a weekly e-mail entitled Monday Morning Musings. He discusses some great points concerning the place of feelings in our world today. I think you will enjoy what he had to say.

In recent years, Christians of a non-Pentecostal background seem to be increasingly drawn to the Pentecostal emphasis on feelings and experience, perhaps in reaction to what is often a cold, sterile emphasis on reason and logic among non-Pentecostals. 'The New Age' movement, with its similar emphasis on feelings and personal experience, is also having its impact on Christians. Neale Donald Walsch, in his best-selling series, Conversations With God, says that God communicates first and foremost through feelings, thoughts and experience and only through words as a last resort. Funny thing is, however, that Walsch claims his books are God's words communicated to him, which he merely dictated. So God told Walsch, in so many words, that 'words are the least effective communicator' and 'are most open to misinterpretation, most often misunderstood.' If words are such a poor way to communicate, then why does Walsch use words to communicate to the public the words he claims to have gotten from God? The truth is that feelings, thoughts and experience are the least trustworthy means of knowing God's will. All three are prone to personal bias, prejudice and selfish motives. Feelings, for example, are subjective. Feelings are greatly affected by such things as pride, anger, personal injury, covetousness and self-interest. The Lord said in Jeremiah 17.9: 'The heart is more deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick. Who can understand it?' Prov 28.26 says, 'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool'.

Experience is equally subjective and open to various interpretations. Job experienced terrible suffering. His three friends interpreted his experience as a sign of God's displeasure while Job interpreted it as a sign of God's indifference. Both were wrong. Such experiences might mean any number of things.

Sometimes suffering is a sign of God's displeasure and sometimes it is not. Sometimes prosperity and success are a sign of God's favor, sometimes not. While experience is not completely irrelevant, it cannot be the basis of knowing God's will.

Our own thoughts can likewise be deceptive. How do we know that Satan isn't the source of some thought or idea that we might have? In Gen 6.5 we read regarding mankind that 'every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.' Satan entered into the heart of Judas, causing him to think evil thoughts. Jesus said 'out of the heart come evil thoughts' (Mt 15.19). Paul, explaining to Agrippa why he had been killing Christians, said, "So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth'' (Acts 26.9). His thoughts had been wrong. Man's thoughts just do not attain to the level of God's thoughts (Isa 55.8).

While feelings, thoughts and experience have real value in life, God's will is communicated to us through words. Jesus said, 'Thy word is truth' (Jn 17.17). 'We will be judged by his words' (Jn 12.48). 'The wise man builds his house on the rock of Christ's words' (Mt 7.24-26). 'We believe on him through the word' of the apostles (Jn 17.20). 'God's thoughts have been revealed to us through words' chosen by the Spirit (1 Cor 2.11-13). 'Faith comes from hearing the word' (Rom 10.17). 'The sum of Thy word is truth' (Ps 119.160). While words may also be misinterpreted, they are the most precise and accurate way of communicating ideas. If you wish to know God's will, go to his word and see what he says. Then let his word guide your feelings, thoughts and experiences.

- Randy Hohf

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  -James 1:12

BAPTISMS!!!

Summer Camp sessions continue with pre-teen camp this week, and good things continue to happen. Last week at Senior Camp, Nathan Frisk studied with and baptized Alex Deering, a friend of his from Coeur d'Alene High School. Alex left Wednesday for Ambry Riddell Aeronautical University in Daytona, FL. Pray for him that he will continue to study and his faith will grow. Andrea Tobar, a friend of Kristen Falconer's was also baptized at camp. She is in California with her mother for a couple of weeks, then she will return as a student at NIC.

Camp Prince's Pine

Pre-Teen Camp starts today. If you are going, be sure that your ride is coordinated as a bus is not taking campers to the site this year.

Family Camp -- Sept. 3 - Sept. 6
at Farragut State Park

Plan on coming to Farragut State Park. Here is a sampling of some of the activities: hot dogs and hamburgers on Sunday, unlimited granitas, all you can eat french fries at George & Joanna's on Friday night, bike riding, singing at the campfire, a kite flying contest, a scavenger hunt and extreme fun and fellowship with your fellow Christians. Special speaker, Paul Swaim. Make your plans to be there. The cost is only $3 per person per night plus $4 per car per night. Bring your friends. For more information, contact George Wuest at 772-6247.

P.S. Teens under 18 must have an adult chaperone while at the campsite.

Tweeners Fun on the Lake

On Saturday, August 21, the Tweeners have been invited to the Slates' home for food, fellowship and a fun-filled day of playing on the lake. This fun day will begin at 1:00 p.m. through dinner. Please bring any potluck dish, salads, chips, desserts, to share (drinks will be provided). Also bring water toys, children's life vest, towels, boats, kayaks or what ever keeps you afloat. A sign-up sheet and maps can be found on the kiosk.

Shepherd's Corner

The Hebrew writer through the power of the Holy Spirit, gave mankind a beautiful letter concerning the superiority of Jesus the Christ. As Christians today, living in troubling times, we should commit to memory and act upon the following verses: Heb 10: 23-25 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching".

-From the Elders

James Dupey to Preach

James Dupey has returned from his six week stint in Europe and will soon be returning to college. We can look forward to hearing this one of our talented young men preach to us Sunday morning, August 22. Don't miss it.

Calendar of Events

August 15 - 21 - Preteen Camp - 3rd - 5th grade
August 17 - 6:30 a.m. - Prayer Breakfast at JB's
August 20 - Teens - Spokane Indians' Game
August 21 - Tweeners at the Slates' House
August 25 - Ladies Brown Bag Luncheon at Noon
August 25 - 5:30 p.m. BBQ Potluck & Devotional
August 28 - Teens - Silverwood Theme Park
August 29 - Evening Worship Assembly LIFE Groups
Sept. 3 - 6 - Family Camp at Farragut State Park

Prayer Requests

Laura Wilkins is recovering from having stents implanted.

Brandi Sandford, the cousin of Katrina Swaim, has breast cancer. Keep her and her family in your prayers.

Jerry Welch is awaiting surgery to have a small tumor removed from his bladder. Pray that his blood pressure goes down, so that they can do the surgery.

Conni McCord, a friend of Wilma Flanagan's, is suffering from depression. Pray for Wilma as she comforts and encourages her friend during this difficult time.

Mandy Mood is still experiencing painful migraines.

Gwen Hauck is recovering from a fall in which she broke her shoulder, ribs and wrist.

Beth Pfister, a friend of Karmen Rouse's, gave birth to a daughter who was born premature at 1 lb. 10 oz.

Harold Long, Vicki Laititi's father, has started chemo for stomach cancer. Pray for his comfort.

Lakai Laititi's parents, Makai and Vicki, ask that we pray that Lakai gives his life back to God.

Remember to keep the Coeur d'Alene Christian School in your prayers as the new school year approaches that God will bring the school into a successful year.

Christopher Henrikson, Don and Wilma Flanagan's grandson, and Claudia Moberg's grandson, Daniel Moberg, are serving in Iraq. Also, Mike Kish & Matt Rude are now at Fort Bliss, Texas, for military training. Keep their safety in your prayers.

Pray for the Reeves and the Togo Team, as they work among the Kabiye people of Northern Togo. The Lord is continuing to bless the work with wonderful success.

Continue Praying For...... Jeff Almond, Jim Saldona, Russ Allen, Fred Bonney,
Loraine Parrish, Karmen Rouse, Randy Scott, Carol Hoffman, Jim Almond, Bobby Mood.

Come join us for Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday mornings, at 6:30 a.m. at JB's Restaurant on Appleway for prayer and encouragement!

Mike's Memos.....

'Out of Africa'.......

Yes, we're back; the Reeves Family has safely returned from 'the dark continent', and have a much clearer understanding of what that slogan really means... at least to us. We also have a much clearer understanding of the mission field in a very difficult part of Africa, and a deeper admiration for those whom God has called to be his servants in that part of the world. We Americans don't have a clue. I've seen mission work in Guyana, South America; Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico and Honduras, Central America; France; Italy; Russia; and Siberia, but nothing that I've seen compares with the difficulty of the work in Togo, West Africa. Brothers and sisters, we are commanded to 'go into all the world....'. We've always taken this to mean to send or be sent. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who go and allow us to be 'senders'. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those young couples who have willingly committed ten years of their lives to serving the Lord in one of the most receptive mission fields in the world, as well as one of the most difficult places in the world to live.

Our three weeks there were filled with wonderful, rich, challenging experiences. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with David, Becky, Hannah, Elijah, and Gabriel.... as well as the other three families who comprise the Togo Team. It was enjoyable, most of the time, to share in their lives and in the Lord's work through them. Thank you, church family, for allowing us to go, and for your support and encouragement. We look forward to Sunday night, August 29th, when we will give you a full report.

A note of urgent need right now: While we were there, among the many things that went wrong, David and Becky's car broke down, requiring about $400 of repair costs, and made it necessary for them to rent another vehicle at a cost of about $600! If anyone can help, please talk to me immediately. Your help will be appreciated more than you know.

TEENS....End of summer activities include:

• A trip to Spokane for an Indians' baseball game on Friday, August 20th! Thank you, Robert & Ruth Inabnet for getting us tickets.

• Groups from Cashmere and Tri-Cities will be coming for a day at Silverwood on August 28th.

• And our Farragut Family Camp is September 3-6.

BON VOYAGE! Several of our young people will be returning to their respective colleges and universities in the next few days. We will miss them, and we wish them all well. The three college freshmen going away from home for the first time are Vanessa Brown, Nathan Frisk, and James Graham who are all going to Oklahoma Christian University. Keep them in your prayers as they adjust to life away from home, and their new responsibilities.

BIBLE BUILDERS MEMORY VERSES
Children's Sunday A.M. Bible Classes

For the month of August - 4 years - 6th Grade:

'But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found'.  -Luke 15:32

ATTENTION: LADIES

Mark your calendar now for our special brown bag luncheon on Wednesday, August 25th at 12 noon at the home of Kathy Taylor, 11953 N. Emerald, Hayden, 772-2265 (North on Government Way go past Hayden to Buckles Road. Right on Buckles. Left on Emerald. Cream and brick house on left.) Please plan on attending and spending this time in fellowship with your sisters. Sylvia Slate will present a short devotional. Bring your favorite brown bag lunch. Drinks will be provided. See you there!

Wednesday Night Devotional & Barbecue

We will be having a barbecue and devotional on Wednesday evening, August 25 starting at 5:30 pm. The church will be providing the hamburgers and hot dogs. We would like to ask you to bring any kind of side dish, chips, or dessert of your choosing. If you are a member of a LIFE group, be sure to see your LIFE group leader for suggestions on what to bring. We will still be having our Soup Kitchen at the regular time. Thus, we need some to bring their items by 4:30 pm so that all of our guests can have something to eat.

SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE!!

On Sunday evening, August 29, at 5:30 p.m., we will be having a special worship assembly. All of our LIFE GROUPS are requested to be in attendance as well as anyone who is not currently a member of a particular LIFE GROUP. The groups have been a blessing to so many, but we would like to bring them all together on the fifth Sunday of a month for a common encouragement and worship experience.

You will not want to miss this special time together as the Reeves family shares their experiences of Togo, West Africa. Not only will you get first-hand information about our mission work with the Kabiye people, but you'll hear their reports of a real African Safari. Bring all your questions and come prepared for an enjoyable evening.

Caribbean Cruise...Wow!

Come and join us on a cruise with members from the church from January 29 - February 5, 2005! Contact the Wuests (772-6247) or the Borsheims (772-8183) for more information.

Prayer Garden News

• The green sticks indicate a plant. Please do not pull.

• Anyone having any size of pieces of slate, we need some for the Garden of Prayer. Please see Rick Blanchard or Georgette Rude.

• Anyone who can and will water the Garden of Prayer would be greatly appreciated. You may water at any time of the day and use as much water as you need.

Keeping In Touch

For recent updates and mailing information of servicemen deployed from families of our congregation, can now be found on the new military bulletin board (hanging on the wall across from the cry room).

Please Note......
If you feel you might have misplaced any of your dishes from past potlucks or events, please check on the kiosk in the foyer. Thanks!

Attention Secret Sisters!

Remember to contact your Secret Sister at least once a month! Also, remember the Secret Sister bulletin board up in the foyer for you to post thank you notes to the Secret Sister who got your name. Don't forget to check it!

TO SERVE August 22^nd, 2004

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

Sunday:

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

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