Jeanette's Poem

     Jeanette Hawkin's Kids Kore (with Tracy Ast's help) created stuffed toys to donate to the annual Vernon County Ambulance District Toy Drive. We are privileged to have Jeanette Hawkins as our Children's Pastor at First Baptist Church.  One of a kind!  Not only is Jeanette exceptional in leadership but she wrote a little poem about it!
     Just weeks before Christmas and through the church halls,
     Every child was stirring and  climbing the walls.
     The animals and stuffing were laid out with care,
     In hopes that the EMTs soon would be there.
     They chose their own breed and a big bunch of fluff,
     Then returned to their spot where they would then stuff,
     Before zipping up the creation they made.
     A heart that was prayed over would inside be placed.
     Prayers for warmth and love quietly spoken,
     For whoever received this sweet little token.
     Then out in the hallways there appeared two new faces,
     We knew they were EMTs from their helpful gazes.
     They jumped in to help us finish up with our dolls,
     So they could get back just in case they were called.
     We helped them to fill their bags with new toys,
     They would soon give to deserving girls and boys.
     Then what to our wondering eyes should appear,
     But a red and white sleigh with lights front and rear.
     The EMTs climbed aboard with a great cheer,
     And said, "Thank you kids!  You helped out this year!"

GOD IS WITH US

     Foy Valentine shared this poem in CHRISTIAN ETHICS TODAY, Fall, 2010.  Even he does not know the original author.

     That night when in Judean skies
        The mystic star dispensed its light,
     A blind man moved in his sleep
        And dreamed that he had sight.

     That night when shepherds heard the song
        Of hosts angelic choiring near,
     A deaf man stirred in slumber's spell
        And dreamed that he could hear.

     That night when o'er the newborn babe
        The tender Mary rose to lean,
     A loathsome leper smiled in sleep
        And dreamed that he was clean.

     That night when to the mother's breast
        The little king was held secure,
     A harlot slept a happy sleep
        And dreamed that she was pure.

     That night when in the cattle stall
        Slept child and mother cheek by jowl,
     A cripple turned his twisted limbs
        And dreamed that he was whole.

     That night when in the manger lay
        The sanctified who came to save,
     A man moved in the sleep of death
        And dreamed there was no grave.

     Don't know the author but he captures some of the wonder and beauty of Christmas in simple words.  Here we see divine grace in action and beautiful glimpses of God who bears with us through all the challenges of life.  It is an invitation to wait on the Lord until  all our brokeness gets fixed, our dreams get fulfilled, and our prayers get answered!

Pastor Cox
    

WHERE WOULD JESUS EAT OUT?

     Marie and I had breakfast at HWY 54 Cafe in Nevada Saturday morning.  While we were eating breakfast, I posed the question, "Where do you think Jesus would eat out if he came to Nevada?  Would he eat here at 54 or would he eat at the Nevada Country Club?"  At first I answered my own question, "Probably at the 54 I would guess." 
     HWY 54 Cafe in Nevada, MO, is local taste for sure!  Some of the best down home breakfasts like sausage gravy and biscuits.  Or one can order a variety of breakfasts that include various egg entrees with options of meats.  And for lunch I like the open-faced turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy.  But the main thing about 54 Cafe is that it is a vintage "Good 'Ole Boys" restaurant.  Farmers pull up their trucks and enter with mud on their boots.  You don't have to dress up.  No shower required.  Don't comb your hair. Just put on a cap and your good to go.  So, you can imagine why I picked 54.
     Marie had another thought.  She said, "I think he would go to the Country Club."  "Why?"  I asked.  "Because there are more sinners out there."  How would she know that?  We ate there just recently.  The atmosphere is more uptown.  It is the only place in Nevada to dine with white table cloths.  You have to be a member of the club or a guest to get in the door.  It is a little more exclusive.  The boiled shrimp special once a month is tasty.  And so I am thinking Jesus would not dine there.  After all, he didn't start out with a top notch atmosphere in Bethlehem.  No country club memberships!
     But then Marie got me to thinking.  Maybe there are more sinners there.  And there could be as  much poverty.  Don't let the farmers and the "good 'ole boys" fool you.  Some of them have a lot more assets than the country club folks.  And, as someone has said, "Sophistication is a thin veneer that rubs off with a little alcohol!"  But you might have to flip a coin about which place has the most sinners.
     And so I asked, where do you think Jesus would eat out in Nevada?  54 Cafe or the Nevada Country Club?

PROUD MARIE KEEPS ON BURNIN'

     I am really proud of Marie.  She has been really upset that Bristol Palin had gone so far in winning "Dancing With the Stars."  Don't watch the program!  But Marie has been convinced that some of the best dancers were eliminated and Bristol Palin was kept in by Alaska phone calls or tea party favorites.  She has really been steamed about it.  But she has excercised control.  Last week there was a man who was pictured on television in handcuffs as he was being hauled off to jail.  The news lady said that he was angry because other dancers had been eliminated and Palin, obviously sub-standard in his opinion, had been able to stay on the show.  So, he got out his shot gun and blew away the television.  Ours is still in tact.  I am proud that she has control!