We’re now off and running with new schedules, studying and learning, games, practicing, performances, and all the other activities that come with the new school year.  Life may seem almost impossible right now, but just be patient.  In a few days our lives will be “normal” again.   Remember and don’t forget, the work of Christ and His church continues.  Sometimes when we get busy with “life,” we lose sight of our priorities.  As Christians, we are called upon to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).  We are to meet with our fellow Christians for worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25).  We  are  to  pray without   ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:17).  We are to “visit” the orphans and the widows in their trouble (James 1:27).  We are to “study” to show ourselves approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15).  We are to live the Christian life at home, at school, at work, everywhere we are so that those around us will see our lives and give glory to God (Matthew 5:16).   Wow!  This heat is simply exhausting!  No rain is in sight at least for the next several days.   At the Burleson’s we are conserving as much as we can.  I’ve turned up the thermostat two more degrees.  Last month I watered my lawn and plants to the tune of a $96.00 water bill.  No more of that!  This kind of weather is especially hard on pets.  Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water.   Last Sunday was a very special day indeed.  We welcomed Aaron and Beatrice Trapp and their family to our family here at St. Andrews Road.  Cedric Anderson came before the church to request prayers on his behalf.  Betty Hicks, grandmother of Amanda Canon, also came before the Lord and the church to rededicate her life to Christ.  I have had the privilege of studying the Bible with Betty and her husband, Floyd, for the past three weeks.  We are continuing in our study as they both learn the way of the Lord more perfectly.  Please pray for every effort to preach and teach the gospel of Christ in our community and throughout the world.   Before Christ ascended to heaven, He left His disciples a job to do.  In  Matthew 28 verses 18 through 20 we find our Great Commission.  We are to go, teach, baptize, and continue to teach.   Our monthly Preachers’ and Men’s meeting went very well on Tuesday.  Billy Mize of Southeastern Children’s Home came to share all the “happenings” at the children’s home.  Our subject for discussion was “Benevolence.”  Every week we have all kinds of opportunities to help those in need.  It is our responsibility to find the most effective way to meet the needs of our community.  Mark your calendar for next month’s meeting at SAR:  September 18th at 10:00 a.m.  Brother Brad Fry of the Long Creek congregation will be presenting our program.   On Sunday we will “Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus” as we study the subject of Faith.  This will be our first lesson as we study God’s plan of salvation.  What is faith?  Faith is not just something you say.  Faith is not just something you feel.  Faith is not just something you think.   Faith is not just something you believe.  Faith is saying, feeling, thinking, believing, and also DOING!  Many in the religious world today include one or more of these descriptions.  The Bible teaches that true faith, saving faith includes each and every one of the aspects.   On Sunday evening we will begin a series of lessons entitled “Four Keys to  Effective Living.”   In this series we will ask ourselves four important questions:  1) Who am I?  2) What are my choices?  3) What is really important?  4) What are my goals?   May God bless us as we live for Jesus each day!