StPaul's October Christian Messenger Newsletter Page One

October 2001

Greetings

“In all things God works for the good."
Romans 8:28

If ever there was a time to believe the truth of this Bible verse, it is now. The atrocity of September 11th has indeed caused us to question God’s whereabouts. This point was driven home when speaking to a woman whose husband is missing. She said, “I think God fell asleep.”

To suggest that God fell asleep at the wheel is understandable but absolutely untrue. Throughout the Bible there are stories of evil attacking good. There are narratives about sinful people harming the righteous. There are accounts of people experiencing trials and tribulations. In every account you can find the strengthening, assuring, and comforting presence of God. In every situation God used it and turned it in to a powerful life-example that allows us to see God’s goodness. I call on you to think back to a difficult time in your life. Note the ways God used that tough time for good.

While the events of September 11th are etched into our memories forever, I firmly believe that God will use this event for good and to reveal himself to us in all His glory.

A lot will depend on you and your attitude.

“Attitude,” as defined in a Rich Wilkins’ poem, “is a reflection of what we value. It requires believing before seeing, because seeing is based on circumstances, believing is based on faith. Attitude can turn our doubts of the past into passions of today and set the stage for our tomorrows. Your attitude can be used to build you up or put you down - the choice is yours. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.”

I encourage you to respond to the events of September 11th with an attitude, not just any attitude, but an attitude that is reflected in the following acronym.

Always make today your best day.
Psalms 118:24

Take pride in a job well done.
Philippians 1:27

Treat others with respect.
Ephesians 4:32

Isolate negative thoughts.
Philippians 4:13

Treat tasks as opportunities.
Ephesians 5:15-16

Utilize your talents everyday.
Matthew 25:29

Do the job right the 1st time.
2Peter 2:20

Expect positive outcomes daily.
Mark 11:24

With a Christ-like Attitude,

Prayerfully yours in Christ,

the following people who served dinner at Elijah’s Promise on Sunday, September 2:

Dot Schmidt

Jane Osman

Don & Evelyn Schiable

Linda Griffin

Margaret Schmidt

Joanne & Tim McMichael

Dot & Larry Madell for purchasing food

Please note: we will NOT be serving dinner in October.

I would like to thank all the men who moved tables, chairs and grills for the Picnic. Also the men who cooked and the women who made salads and deserts. The food was delicious. I hope everyone had a good time.

Donna Young