White Gloves

White Gloves!
“Husbands love your wives. I mean it!” This was a strong word the men’s leaders felt they heard at our planning retreat at the first of the year.
In that vain, let me make a suggestion, if I may. Take your wife to lunch at the White Gloves restaurant and tea room. This is the new establishment opened and operated by our own Nancy Fox. It’s located across Rogers Ave from Rainwater's on the east end near Barling, in the old Coffee Beanery.
They have great lunch specials for about $6. I tried some hot tea with my lunch and loved it. Ask for it by name if you want to shock your wife. It’s “Constant Comment.” The decor is charming and you’ll dine to Canon in D or similar beautiful music.
She’ll love it! And she’ll love you for thinking about it and suggesting it. Surprise her with this treat one day soon!
Your brother in trying for better marriages,
Dwayne
PS Share your ideas with me and we’ll spread the creativity and wisdom in such actions.

Craig on Next Men's Meeting

Tuesday May, 27th, 6:30 pm

Dear Men,
Forty guys gathered during the last Guard meeting for friendship, encouragement, and to challenge one another. We shared how we might be,
• Men of honor
• Men of faithfulness
• Men of virtue
• Men of Integrity
• Men with uncompromising values
It was a good time together as well as an opportunity to continue building toward a great future in the Guard.
On Tuesday May 27th (the day after Memorial Day) we will be looking at what it means to be
• Men of Prayer
• Men of Faith
• Men who give God glory
• Men of the Word
• Men who can endure Persecution
Guys there will be a meal beginning 6:30pm. This is an exciting season, we are building relationships, friendship, and character. Don’t miss it!
Sincerely,
Pastor Craig and the Guard leadership

He Leads ... by Still Waters

Greetings All,

I’ve been a quiet time in my life spiritually. There is lots of activity going on of course, as usual. Too much! But I’m aware that God is calling me aside, to a quieter, different walk. It’s a lifestyle of habits where there is actually time spent with Him. Once I’m on and living near this path, established by will and habits, I believe it’s possible and probable that I’ll hear more often and clearly from the Holy Spirit. Thus I’ll be more focused and effective in serving others and investing in eternal things (people), and serving the King. I think you spell this “led by the Spirit.” There’s also the value of better “knowing” God. Interesting concept? Why am I just now sensing that this is possible, doable and a matter of “obedience” for me?

I’m not sure? But I’m going to call it “grace.” And after hearing it, I suppose the next most important thing is “doing it.”

So feel free to watch and ask how it’s going. Or you could even join me on this journey?

I don’t know if I’ll be blogging more or less? Guess that will depend on what I hear?

Love to you all. A brother in Christ,

Dwayne

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A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalms 23:1-3)

…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. (John 21:17)

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be honored among the nations. I will be honored in the earth." (Psalms 46:10)

Is God Safe

Greetings Men,
I haven’t written in a while, nor have others I’ve invited to write here? I can’t speak for them, but for me it’s not because I’ve had nothing to say. Nor has the Lord been silent, but His Spirit has been dealing with me often and much, in quiet times of seeking Him, and as I go speedily along my way.

It’s a new day. There are changes and chapters in an earth life. The Lord is there, faithfully leading and wooing all who would hear, onto the path, a straight and narrow way. A way of peace, and a joyful way.

I have a thought to share about Brent’s home going. It’s come to me a number of times strongly since that time.

One of the most powerful and passionate words of resolve we heard Brent speak during the time of his cancer and suffering, when we all expected the Lord to heal him, was “Lord I yield my life to You.” He meant it. We all knew he did. We were touched by Brent’s sincerity. And by the Spirit of God easily felt in the room that night. It was awesome to be there.

God heard Brent’s confession. He received his yielded life, a few days later.

This has forever been connected for me to some lines in a C.S. Lewis book. Two pilgrims are discussing the nature of (our God) the King. One who doesn’t know the King asks one who does, “Is He safe?” The other replies, “No, He’s not safe; but He’s good.”

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... The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21-22)

"God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him? Who has prescribed his ways for him, or said to him, 'You have done wrong'? Remember to extol his work, which men have praised in song. All mankind has seen it; men gaze on it from afar. How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out.(Job 36:22-26)

Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?(Isaiah 40:13)