THIRTYFIVE

(continued from previous page) when Joy finished a difficult long term substitute teaching job, and when Bev did one of her special things for the kids, we brought out the "red plate". On our anniversary, they want us to share the plate. Then when our eight year old granddaughter Kari's four girl relay team won the 2nd grade race, and as we were preparing for the evening meal, she saw what was happening and said, "Finally, the Red Plate". I guess she had forgotten about when she got the plate for being selected Awana Clubber of the year. Kari, as do the rest of us, likes to be praised for good work, which brings me to the point of this column. When was the last time you said a little something (a word of encouragement) to one of your loved ones? A son needs to know you are proud of him, a daughter needs to know she is loved. A wife and husband need to encouraged each other often. A friend that is going through some tough times could use a touch of friendship. Our Pastor needs to be lifted daily. Are you boosting his morale each time you see him. The Bible says that the real measure of your deeds is to do good things and say encouraging words to those whose paths you cross, to be merciful, do not judge nor condemn. Pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and you will receive. (Luke 6:35-38). So this is your assignment this month. If you feel God urging you to say a word to someone, then do it. Pick up the phone. Write a note. Send an E-mail. Zap them something funny on the fax. Be a communicator. Help each other to be encouragers. Say a word to the Pastor and the other staff people. They all are going way beyond the call doing God's work. Call an old member. Say hi to a visitor. Offer to use your talents for God's glory. Be a doer. Pick up a piece of trash, straighten a chair, turn off a light, clean a window, hoe a weed. Whatever you see that needs tending to, take care of it. And all the while, don't forget that we are commissioned to spread the good news across Bakersfield. And guess what. Your actions of kindness to others will make you feel good inside, I promise. And the next time you are at our house, you will qualify to use the red plate. Grandpa Dick

Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed!! OK Golden Aged Seniors, listen up. As I was working on a model car to enter in the AWANA Grand Prix race, I had a brilliant thought. Second Timothy 2:14 says to… “present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed”. This verse is the foundation of the AWANA program. Do you present yourself to God for approval as a workman? Are you unashamed to serve Him? My thought was----This is a perfect ministry for Seniors. AWANA is a program for children and Youth designed to teach Bible verse memory, game skills, competition, teamwork and team spirit. Workers in AWANA experience the joy of seeing youngsters grow in the Lord through Bible based lessons and activities. AWANA culminates each year on the last Sunday of May, with the “Grand Prix” model car show and race, and “End of the year “ awards presentations. Current workers, led by Miss Janie, have done an outstanding job of leadership this year. Now Seniors, here’s where you come in. There are assignments open in this worthwhile program. Starting in September, you can be a memory verse guide. You can help in game activities. You can give short devotionals. You can assist in making AWANA model cars to display and race. You can help kids gain confidence as they master these skills, and give back part of what you have learned during your Christian walk. It is time for us to step forward and invest in our young people. They are the future of our Church and the foundation of future family units. Come join with me in AWANA service. But beware. I’ll have the neatest model car out there. Grandpa Dick p.s AWANA workers come from all age groups. Are you being called to this ministry service? Call the church office to volunteer, or talk to Miss Janie or me.

TEN COMMANDMENTS - TEXAS STYLE!! Yes, I'm from Texas. Born, raised and saved in El Paso. With such roots, I was immediately able to relate to this list posted on the bulletin board wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas. (1) Just one God. (2) Honor yer Ma & Pa. (3) No telling tales or gossipin'. (4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'. (5) Put nothin' before God. (6) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal. (7) No killin'. (8) Watch yer mouth. (9) Don't take what ain't yers. (10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff. Any way you say em, these rules is worth follerin'. Y'all have a good day now, and teach these here rules to yer yungins' ... ya' heah. Grandpa Dick