Donating Food to the Jackson House

Christmas is Coming!

Christmas is right around the corner. The young people are preparing to perform our annual Christmas nativity next Sunday night. (I will try to record the program and put it on the blog.) It seems that every year I feel like we have to do something new for our Christmas program, but I've realized that when it comes to Christmas, people like the old traditions. I have also learned that you can't improve on the story of the birth of Christ. I had 2 little boys in the office last week and the youngest was interested in my nativity scene. I asked him if he knew who the baby was and he didn't and his older brother named some secular figure. I was immediately taken with this and realized that no matter how many times we protray the story of Jesus' birth, there will still be people who do not know of him. The kids so enjoy doing this every year, and they in turn can tell their friends just who baby Jesus became and who He is today.

In other news, during preaching this morning, a lady came by and spoke with Bro. Charlie. She wanted to know if we would start picking up her four children for church. She wants them to grow up knowing Jesus. From the name, I would say they are oriental or possibly Korean. They live on my road, and I'm hoping to vist them this week. I pray that they can come to the Christmas program and hear just what Christmas is all about!

Carolling For The Glory of God

We had a great weekend at church. On Saturday, we met about 3:00 p.m. and decorated. Thanks to Sis. Sharon, we have some beautiful decorations. After decorating, we had a snack, and then we went carolling to the people in the area. All together, we had about 16 people.

Today, after a wonderful service, twenty-five of us, met at Ci's Ci's Pizza and then moved on to the Quapaw Nursing Home where we carolled to the older people there. I really enjoyed carolling at the nursing home, and would like to go back and sing hymns. We walked up and down the aisles of the nursing home singing, and it felt very spiritual. We may not have had the most beautiful voices, but we were singing for the glory of God. I hope we brought some joy to the older generation.

Catching You Up

I've been remiss in blogging lately. I did attend church Sunday and Bro. Donis preached on the Creation Explanation. Creation by work of God, Creation by the word of God, and Creation by the wisdom of God.

Last night, Sis. Shelley spoke to us again about giving. We were challenged to serve others, and not just talk about it, but actually do it. We had to come up with practical ways we could serve someone else this week.

We are also planning to go carolling this Saturday after we decorate the church and then meet back for refreshments. We will start decorating about 3:00 and will carol after we are finished. We will also be going to town on Sunday after church and visiting the nursing home and carolling there. We invite all to come and join us.

God and Creation

We had a good day in church today even though there were not many present. Hannah Diggs sang "Oh, be careful little eyes what you see" and Katelyn Smead played a piano solo. Terry and Tammie Diggs sang a special with the guitar entitled "Look Away From The Cross".

Bro. Donis preached on God and Creation and his text was Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." We studied what does creation reveal to us.

• Creation reveals its Creator. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20 We have no excuse to not believe in God. Being a created being and seeing God's beautiful creation, we should instinctively know that there is a creator.
• Creation reveals that we need a Redeemer. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21. Creations reveals that sinful and needs to be freed from bondage. Sin has corrupted the creation of God, but God can make it right.
• Creation reveals that we exist for God's glory. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. God doesn't have a plan 'B'. God designed us, created us, and placed us on this earth to show His glory. We don't serve and worship God to please Him, but because we are His children and we want to serve and worship Him.
  

Thankful Hearts

I forgot my notes from the sermon yesterday morning, but just suffice it to say that Bro. Donis told us how to have a better life. I really did enjoy our morning service yesterday. We had a time for everyone to stand up and say what they were thankful for. We had lots of people who wanted to speak and it is evident that we are grateful for all of God's many blessings.

One thing we all seemed to agree on is that we are thankful for our family, friends, and church family. I felt that everyone was trully grateful for this and not just saying it. I can vouch for the fact that not everyone has family and friends. For me, I have always had lots of family and friends. I've been well liked and when someone doesn't like me, it becomes my goal to make them like me. I have never had to wonder if I would have somewhere to go for the holidays; most of the time, I have to decide who gets to see me at the holidays instead. Working with the people I work with, I have discovered that there are a great many who are not as blessed as I am. We had a lady make her Will the other day and she only had one person in this whole world to give her estate to. Usually we have alternates just in case that person does not survive you, but she didn't have one. Her husband had just died, she doesn't have any brothers or sisters. She doesn't have a church or close friends. I have had people who needed to have a witness for court who just couldn't come up with anyone. There are alot of lonely people in this world, and I encourage you to take note of any of these you might come into contact with and invite them to your dinners during the holidays.

God's Glory And Not Our Own

Tonight I stayed with the adults while Shelley and Angie took the kids. We had Chris with us again this week. We have enjoyed getting to know him.

In the adult class, we studied David and how he wanted to build a temple. He was distressed because he lived in such a mansion and the place of worship that held the Ark of the Covenant was still in a tent. He wanted to build a nice place of worship for the people of God, but God had different plans. He didn't allow David to build the temple because he had been a man of war. There are differing opinions on why this disqualified him, but one opinion that I had never heard before was that because he was a man of war he had brought lots of attention to himself. He used to be compared to Saul and they would say, "Saul has killed his thousands, but David has killed his tens of thousands." He was glorified for his skills of war, and God did not want the temple to bring glory to David, but to himself. Despite all this, David did not despair and give up. He didn't say "well, fine then, I'll just quit working for God if he doesn't want what I want to offer." He instead starting preparing for his son to build the temple. He drew up plans and gathered massive amounts of building supplies. He involved the entire nation and it became a joint effort to build the temple. Even though David's dreams were crushed, he continued to serve God and work for Him. We must do the same. If God chooses to take our lives down a road we don't want to travel, we must still serve Him. Just remember that God's plan is bigger than you are.

Why Did Jesus Go To Calvary?

Sunday was a good day in the Lord. I was busy all afternoon and evening visiting with my step-son, Will, his wife Ashley, and my grandbaby, Gracie. He preached at Caney-Valley MBC that morning and evening. We visited Caney-Valley yesterday evening, but I did attend Mt. Moriah yesterday morning and have a few notes from the sermon.

1 Peter 1:17-20

17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

Why Did Jesus Go to Calvary? There are three (3) answers to this question.

• He had a plan to finish. He was "forordained before the foundation of the world" (v.20) He was predetermined to die before the world was ever created. There is only one plan for all men--Americans, Eurpeans, rich poor, etc.
• He had a payment to furnish. We needed to be redeemed and we couldn't die for our sins. He paid for Adam's sins and every person thereafter.
• He had a people to free. He came to free me from the bondage of sin.

Quotes of the day:

"A life without Jesus is a life wasted."

"All of Satan's apples have worms."

"Jesus died to make life more meaningful and eternity more
pleasant."

This Is The Day That The Lord Hath Made

How Close Are You To God?

Last night Sis. Shelley spoke to us about how close we are to God. We all put our right elbows touching and at this point we were as close to God as we could get. Then she asked us questions that would cause us to either move away from God or grow closer. For example, she said, "if you've read your Bible everyday this week, take one step closer, and if not, take one step back." "If you've prayed at least three times this week, if you've witnessed to a friend, if you've argued with someone, etc. Wow, you should of seen us scatter. Needless to say, our elbows never did touch again. Then we all made one vow of what we would do this week to draw closer to God. I made a spoken vow and an unspoken vow. So far today, I've kept my vows, and now I just have to do it one day at a time.

She also spoke of how we are to show Christ's love to others and how maybe God puts you in the line with the grouchy cashier so you can smile and show His love. You may get the imcompetent teller so you can show God's love.

We were very excited and happy to have Christopher and Cody (Sis. Julie's step-sons) with us last night and they are planning to be back with us on Sunday.

After our devotional, we decorated boxes to use in collecting food for the Jackson House.

Smead Family Sings

Power of Prayer for the People Who Pray

Message preached by Bro. Donis this morning.

Luke 18:1-8

1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " 6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

• Prayer is a sin-killer. Sin loses its effectiveness when we pray. All too often we forget to pray until after we have sinned.
• Prayer brings union and fellowship with our creator.
• Prayer is a power-bringer.
• Prayer is a problem solver. It may not always change the problem, but it will change your prospective.
• Prayer is an anxiety-helper.

On a personal note, I will say that I use prayer alot for anxiety. I would probably be a crazy woman if it weren't for God. I pray about every worry and concern. Sometimes I worry about irrational things, and I especially pray about these. --Tammie Diggs

Put On The Armour

Being Halloween and all, in class last night, Sis. Shelley talked about costumes and the costume we need to put on as Christians. The Bible tells us we should put on the armour of God--the whole armour. We discussed ways we could put on the armour of God or actions we could do to display our armour. The answer I kept coming back to was "God's Word". It will show you salvation, the truth, it's the sword of the spirt, it leads you to righteousness, it brings peace--it is the word of God. The word of God created you, me and the entire world. It is the answer to all questions. Remember to read the word so you may avoid the feiry darts of the devil.

Fall Festival and Pumpkin Smash

Saturday night we had a groovy Fall Festival. Sis. Shelley outdid herself. She is really awesome and follows through so well on all her commitments to our kids. We had over 30 people at the Fall Festival, and there were several visitors. There were games for the kids along with prizes. There was lots of food, a hay ride, and a pumpkin smashing. During the night, we all wrote our fears and things that bother or worry us on four different pumpkins. Then after Bro. Dale gave us a devotional speaking about the power of God, we gave our fears and worries to God and preceded to smash our pumpkins. We had a wonderful hayride and as my husband sometimes says "you couldn't have stuck a biscuit on there." It is just so great to get together with people from church and have uplifting and safe fellowship.

My Church Is Like Family

I just love my church family. We are always there for each other when we need each other. Sometimes, our blood families are not always supportive of us. They my not understand why we follow God, or there may just be some forgiveness problems. I love my earthly family and we visit, talk, and keep in touch, but I really love my church family too. I see many of my church family members more than anyone else. In Hebrews 10:25, it says that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but so much the more as the day approaches. I like how it says it in the NIV "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."

Why do we need to be together. It doesn't say that we need to "have singing, offering, specials, preaching and then go home". It says to assemble and to exhort or encourage. Fellowshipping with our church family should be like a spiritual B-12 shot. My daughter loves church--mostly because she likes the people she sees there. Unfortunately, she's not itching to sit and listen to Bro. Donis for 30 minutes. This doesn't really bother me, because she likes to be with these people who I trust and feel are a good and positive influence on her life. When we go to church, our goal should be to go and encourage someone. Everyone gets encouraged in different ways, and that's why it takes all of us being there together. I'm still humming that song "I'm glad I'm a part of the family of God"

Bro. Dan Pettersen Is Ordained

God's Man--Bro. Donis

October is Pastor Appreciation month and we (youth group) have been trying our best to think of ways to appreciate our pastor. The following poem was presented today in his honor. We truly do not have the words to say how much we care for and appreciate what Bro. Donis does for us.

Our Pastor is a one-of-a-kind,
And many things he must do.
We mostly see him preaching
About Jesus as we sit in the pew.

He prays and reads his Bible
So he has the words to say.
He goes about saving lives
That are the Devil’s prey.

He sings loud and low
Sometimes the words he will change
But most of all he leads our church
In the straight and narrow way.

Because of all the many things
We see our pastor do, We want
To say Thank You, but don’t
Know quite how to.

So after lots of thought, we’ve
Decided what to do–We will
Each one pray for you
Because we love what you do.

Big Day at Mt. Moriah

Today was a big day Mt. Moriah. I arrived at 9:00 a.m. this morning and left at 4:15 p.m. this afternoon. We had Sunday School, morning worship, fellowship dinner, then at 2:00 p.m. we ordained Bro. Dan Pettersen (our missionary to Scotland), and finally about 3:30 p.m. members of Mt. Moriah partook of the Lord’s Supper. Sis. Cathrine blessed us with a wonderful rendition of "I know my Redeemer Lives" and she and Kreg also sang "Because He Lives" together during the church service. At the end of service, Bro. Donis surprised Bro. Dale by presenting him with a license to preach. He can now officially perform marriages and has been officially endorsed by Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.
All through the day, I kept thinking of the song by Bill Gaither entitled "I’m Glad I’m a Part of the Family of God". I just really enjoy being with the church people. Yes, I do get tired from being at church for seven hours straight, and it is not something I want to do every Sunday, but the more I’m with my church family, the more I want to be with them. I know some do not get to enjoy the fellowship of our church, whether it’s by choice or because of health reasons, and it saddens me. Because I know that they have truly missed a great blessing. God has been good to our church, and I pray he continues to bless us as we work for Him.

Thank God For Bro. Dale

Many of us at Mt. Moriah were privileged to hear Bro. Dale Hamilton preach his very first message on Sunday night which was entitled Seek, Follow, and Live For God. He didn’t seem nervous at all, and I suspect God had something to do with that. I have some DVD’s of his first sermon and anyone who is interested, please let me know and I will get you a copy.

Tammie Diggs

Workday at Mt. Moriah

Wednesday Night

Wednesday was "See you at the Pole" day and so instead of class, we (Ryan, Wesley, Hannah, Shelley, Angie, and Tammie) met at the flag pole at the Bonnerdale Post Office and prayed. I wonder if anyone's thoughts were changed or influenced by driving past and seeing people praying. It says in II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." God doesn't require the unbelievers or unsaved people to pray, he wants His people which are called by His name! He also doesn't say that he wants the unsaved people to turn from their wicked ways, but we who are saved. Sometimes we get so concerned that our neighbors aren't praying or are sinning, that we forget that Gods wants us to turn from our old self and pray!

Game Night at Mt. Moriah

We had 13 kids at game night with 8 different adults. We played alphabet soup, sculpter, life saver race, bingo, ping pong, card games, and we ate lots of food. We are so thankful for everyone who came and hope to see you again!

Blog Created

At Mt. Moriah we like to have fun and serve Jesus at the same time. This site is to share some of our fun moments and serious moments with those of you who can't always be with us!