THE HEIGHTENER

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you." -James 4:10

Volume XXVIII

February 7, 2006

Number 6

VIEWPOINT

Abortions performed in Georgia during 2004 fell by a stunning 5.3 percent from 2003 according to recently released statistics from the Georgia Department of Health. Abortions in 2004 were 32,708 – down from 34,545 in 2003. Since the peak year of 1990, abortions have dropped by a massive 17 percent.

“Typically, 75 percent of the abortions in Georgia were performed in DeKalb and Fulton Counties alone. Over the past three years GRTL has focused efforts through television ads tagged with Option Line’s 800-395 HELP to reach the residents in metro-Atlanta. Last year Option Line ranked the Atlanta Care Center in Fulton County as second in the nation for receiving the most calls. During this same period, abortions for residents of these two counties decreased by a huge 10 percent!

“Technology also plays an important factor in babies being saved from abortions. The increasing use of ultrasounds is instrumental in educating women on the fetal development of their unborn babies. Seeing is believing – it’s a child, not a choice!”

This information is from the Georgia Right to Life News. I wanted to share the positive changes with you. We should continue to pray for spiritual revival in our society (Amos 5:24).

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After the sermon on “Getting Out of the Boat,” Sheila Hunt sent me this message: “Your sermon this morning reminded me of a poem I wrote a couple of years ago. I, too, am in a place where I am ready to venture out and be more productive in the Lord's work. My recent schedule change was one of the scariest things I have ever done but has proven daily to be a great opportunity God has given me to accomplish many personal goals.”

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On February 18 the Peachtree City church is planning a special program with Harold Taylor. The emphasis is on “Building a Mighty Force for God.” We’ll have more details next week.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word! RA

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Some “nut” has had a concept

I think I understand.

It’s “step outside the box,”

I’ll give you a hand.

Of course it means to venture out,

try something that is new;

To see how this thing looks out there

a different point of view.

The concept sounds so nice to me,

of someone getting free

from a “little” way to look at things

turning back to see.

What they never told me,

though I know it’s true,

I might have to change myself.

That’s really scary too!

It seems so very easy

when I decide to start.

A toe, a foot, a knee

then out comes my heart.

Things begin to speed up

I’m quickly all outside.

My heart has started racing;

I just want to hide.

The “nutty” part is yet to come

as I look back at the door.

I start to realize at once,

it ain’t there no more.

Sheila C. Hunt (10-26-03)

FROM THE MAILBAG

Dear Cedar Grove Family,

Wow! Where to begin? . . . How could you all possibly realize the positive impact your prayers and generous gifts have had on Jessica? She marvels to Marlene, “Why are they giving me all this? They don’t even know me! I can’t accept this!” Marlene just smiles and simply replies, “They love you and want you to have this.”

Some of you may hot know Jessica’s background. Let’s just say she has not been blessed with a fun filled carefree childhood and has had to take on responsibilities well beyond her years, from a very early age. Even today, at the tender age of 19, she amazes most everyone with all her endeavors and accomplishments. For example, despite her serious medical condition, she has an apartment in Carrollton, a full-time job at Eckerd’s’ s (Newnan – their youngest manager in history) and she is training to be a firefighter at Griffin Tech.

Well, last night on her way from Carrollton to Griffin, one of her (bald)tires blew and she hiked about 5 or so miles to our house (thankfully we were home). Today, we went to Pulliam’s (and with an extra thanks to Jimmy), Jessica now has reliable tires. While her car was in the shop, I took Jessica shopping for her very first “non-hand me down” mattress and box spring. She found one she liked a lot at Mattress Factory (although she says the one at the thrift store would be okay – because it’s less money – of course!) But thanks to Jean Davis who not only gave Jessica a whole bedroom suite (she had her belongings in boxes all over her bedroom), but spearheaded a fund for a mattress set to go with her bed frame! So thanks to all of your generous gifts, Jessica can go and get that new mattress set!

She has a big “burn” this weekend (with her firefighter class), and her next surgery is Monday (early a.m.), so her new bedding purchase will be put off until after she recuperates.

Jessica loves and appreciates all you are doing and have done for her and I just want to let you know that you all have reflected Jesus’ love to Jessica. We are blessed to be joined with you all in the body of Christ. Thank you!

Love,

Claire Williamson & family

WORK DAY

A “work day” is planned this Saturday at the home of Susan and Amanda Carson. With the physical setbacks that have occurred recently, the family needs a bit of extra help. We’ll be meeting at 10:00 at the Carson’s home.

"WE LOVE OUR LADIES" EVENING

The Hamby-Maddox Involvement Team has planned a dinner for our ladies on Saturday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. The men of the congregation will host the event. There is a list to sign on the bulletin board if you can participate. Please indicate your meat preference.

E-MAIL LIST

It’s time to update our e-mail list. If your address needs changing or if you would like to be added to the list, please make changes or additions to the list posted on the bulletin board.

OUR SICK

Betty Smith’s brother-in-law, Ray Eanes, was scheduled for back surgery on Monday.

Marvin Hunt was been sick.

Continue to remember Evelyn Bohannon, Nell Peters, J. W. and Vivian Raines, Richard and Joyce Smith, and Geneva White.

THOSE TO SERVE - FEBRUARY 12
Welcome	Ross Anderson
Song Leader	Greg Cannon
Opening Prayer	Jim Warren
Lord's Table	* Dick Massey
	* Bill Moore
	Steve Putman
	Tom Raines
Scripture Reading	Jim O'Brien
	Matthew 25:14-18
Closing Prayer	Mike O'Brien
Welcome -PM	Ross Anderson
Song Leader	Brandon Marlow
Opening Prayer	Phil Hamby
Scripture Reading	Joe Maddox
	Psalm 108:1-5
Closing Prayer	Jimmy Scott
Communion Preparation	Peggy Hamby
Nursery Attendant	Melanie King & Donna Putman

RECORD - 2/02/06

Bible School	78
Worship AM	128
Worship PM	68
Wednesday Bible Study	51
Contribution	$ 3,770.87