Greetings from central Arkansas!  It is cool (50 degrees) and overcast as usual here in “The Natural State.”  It has been a wonderful treat for me to visit with my daughter and two precious grandchildren for a couple of days.  On  Monday I put a swing set together for them in their back yard and spent some quality time watching them enjoy it.  Cindi and I attended the church of Christ at Robinson and Center in Conway on Sunday morning and evening.  Please remember our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling against doctrinal error and the temptation to “water down” the pure and saving message of the gospel.     I’ll be in northwest Alabama for the next couple of days visiting with my  parents.  Thank you for the time away and for your prayers for my mom and dad.  Just about everything the fire destroyed can be replaced.  Four fire departments came to put out the fire and did an outstanding job.  Only about a third of their house will have to be replaced.  The rest can be cleaned and repaired.  My parents are doing as well as can be expected, living in my uncle’s “fifth-wheel” camper.  They hope to get everything back to normal in time.  Again, I appreciate the opportunity to be here to help them in their time of need.  Thank you to our elders for stepping in to teach and preach in my absence.  I plan to be back in Columbia as soon as possible.  I’ll see you on Sunday morning for sure, Lord willing.     Just a note or two about our Senior Rally last weekend!  Brothers Rudy Weed and Bill Young did an outstanding job organizing this state-wide event.  Sister Kay Yenny and our office staff sent our more than 100 flyers to area congregations.  Brother Richard McWilliams did an outstanding job speaking on the home and made our theme relevant to our audience.  Wade Holton and his team of special servants did their usual excellent job with breakfast and lunch.  We were ready for a packed house.  Even now, I’m sitting here typing this article thinking about the day and wondering why more of our “Silver Lights” and other seniors did not attend.  It could be that gasoline is $3.50 per gallon.  It could be that some were sick and unable to get out for an all-day rally.  It could be that some were patiently waiting by the mailbox to receive their “tax rebate.”  It could, also, be that we need to examine our Christian lives more closely to see if we are putting first things first in our daily activities.  Are you seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first in your life?  God will accept nothing less.     Our lesson on Sunday morning is entitled:  “Decisions – Looking Beyond the Moment.”  We will look at three people from the Bible who didn’t and three who did.  I believe that you will be encouraged and challenged in your faith by the lesson from God’s word.     On Sunday evening I hope you will return at 6:00 p.m. to worship God in spirit and in truth with your Christian family at SAR.  Our lesson on Sunday evening will remind us that God is able to answer our prayers and sufficiently provide for our needs according to His will.     A reminder to our Young Adults … You have a special Bible study going on now on the “Minor Prophets” every Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.  Our plans are to cover all twelve books in twelve weeks.   We’re studying from James Meadows’ lesson book.  This Sunday we will look at the book of Obadiah.          Read the Bible every day.  Pray to God morning, noon, and night without  ceasing.  Teach.  Love.  Care.   God will provide for our needs