PAGE 8C, AUGUST 3-4, 2005 NORTH FLORIDA FOCUS AND\ Suwannee Vaey Suwannee Valley PEOPLE By Pam Campbell You and I are people, parents are people, children are people, our neighbors are people, the postman, the banker, our teachers, our pastors, the cashier, the doctor, the people driving on the roads, we are all peo- ple. People are made in the image of God. God says "The Lord takes pleasure in His people." PsalmS 149:4a As people, we have been given a wonderful opportu- nity to reflect God's love in everything we do. As peo- ple, our very words, and especially our actions, can bring hope to someone feeling hopeless, peace to those in turmoil, joy to the sad, lonely, or depressed, nourishment to the hungry and love to those needing love. We have been given a very unique position in the world. Living as people, we have the opportunity to live in the same world as all the other people, to un- derstand how people feel, to experience the things others experience. We have the chance to live as peo- ple helping people, and at the same time have a per- We are here to meet your spiritual needs in an effective and relevant way Powerful Praise and Worship, Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry and Children's Ministry Sunday Morning Bible Study 10:00-10:45 Sunday Morning Worship 10:45 Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 Monday Evening Intercessory Prayer 7:00 Wednesday, Family Training for all ages 7:00 We are looking forward to seeing you soon! Pastor Tom Durrance 408 Palmetto Ave., Jasper, FL. 32052 (386) 792-2312 183829-F Bj'- COLOR COPIES FAX Suwannee graphics PRINTING COPY SERVICE 621 North Ohio Avenue Live. Oak, Florida 32060 (386) 362-1848 (800) 457-6082 Fax (386) 364-4661 183831F WALLACE T Sales & Service Professional Service on all Brands Antennas T.V. VCR Microwave Satellites DSS Stereo Lanier & Celia Hodge Owners Telep Live Oak, FL 32060 Over 20 Years Experience phone (386) 362-7360 FAX (386) 362-4832 183832-F sonal relationship with the very God who created us all. God has given us animals to care for, a world full of great beauty shown in mountains, ,; streams, rivers, beaches, oceans, lush green grass, full tall trees, flowers in every color, freshly fallen snow, blue skies, sunny days, a spring rain shower, a rainbow, a little kitten, a bunny hopping across the yard, a beautiful bird in flight, a sunrise or sunset, so much beauty around us, all for God's people to en- joy! Have you ever thought about the differ- ence in the things that are Godmade and the things that are manmade? Only God, our cre- ator, has the master plan or design. People can try to make something great, but it pales in ., comparison to God's creations. In this world . we are living in there are people who will tell you God does not exist. There are people who believe they will become a god someday. There are people who think everything just happened. I tell you when I look at the beauty of a new- born baby or the birth of a new calf in the field, or see the intricate details on a little humming- bird, I believe. You see, God does not make things up as He goes. He does not need to ask anyone for help, He already has all things in creation planned before they are in sight. He knows every person who lives, has liied and all those yet to be born. Nothing about you is an accident, God saw you be- fore you were born. He knew what you would look like, where you would live, what you will do in your life, and he knows how long you will live. God has a reason for everything. He creates each person to be a unique in- dividual. There are many types of people, some who live in fear, some who get angry, some who are only happy when they get what they want. There are givers and takers, some are loving, kind and full of joy, main- taining a positive, upbeat attitude in all circum- stances. Yes, the world is full of different people. What kind of person are you? Do you live to serve God and others, or do you live to be served? Revelation 4:11 says "You created everything, and it is for Your plea- sure that they exist and were created." You see, God created people to commune with Him. He does take pleasure in His people, especially those who are living for Him, and take time to know Him, to worship Him, to seek His face, to find out what pur- pose He has for their lives. We have an awesome place in this world,living as God's people, enjoying God's beautiful creation and loving His animals and hopefully all of His people. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Our vision is to make disciples for Jesus Christ Opportunities to Become a Disciple Sunday: 8:30 am ~ Informal Wor 11:00 am ~ Traditional W 9:45 am ~ Sunday Schoo All Ages Nursery Provided Phone: 362-2047 ""-0Believing... ship Belonging... Worship Becoming... ol... Being Sent... Pastor: Jim Wade 1RR828-F ., M Faith Community Church P.O. Box 963 Live Oak, Florida 32064 "Walking in Faith & Victory" Pastor Lester Curry (386) 208-1076 (386) 364-9878 (cell) Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m. held at the Women's Club (Hwy. 136 next to the Coliseum) 183843-F COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.C.A. 830 Pinewood St. * Pastor Randy (386) 362-2323 L. Wilding Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday Night Ministry & Supper......5:45 p.m. Youth Group 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adult Prayer 6:30 to 7 p.m. '183834-F Wow, as people we have the awesome opportunity to talk to, live for and worship the creator of the uni- verse! Now for some big questions concerning our lives as people. What example do we set for the other people in this same world? Do the people around you see Je- sus in you? There is a song called "Can the World See Jesus in You?." How about you, can the waitress or waiter in the restaurant see Jesus in your words and actions? When you are waiting in a long line at the store, does your behavior to others in line and to the cashier reflect the love of God? When your fami- ly or friends don't do as you want them to, when things are not going your way, can they still see Je- sus in you? We are all people, but are we all people of God? Do we treat all people regardless of the color of their skin, or how tall or short, overweight or thin, rich or poor that they may be the same? God does not see color. He is not affected by someone's height, weight,or financial status. He created ALL people, and He loves ALL people. God loves all people the same,and He will always answer the prayers of all of His people. This world is full of all kinds of people, some are kind and loving, some are hateful and mean, some are always pleasant to be around, and some are not. In this world there are people who are serving God and there are people who are serving another master. They are the ones who are lost and need to see Jesus in our lives. They need the only hope available for salvation, Jesus. As people, we can brighten some- one's day with a simple smile, a hug or a sharing a cheerful word of encouragement with someone. Each day we live we have the opportunity to be hap- py and determine to live a life full of joy, to go with the flow, choose not to complain, but rather be agreeable, be pleasant, be a joy to be around, or we can choose to be sad, full of complaints, miserable and make everyone around us feel miserable also. As people, each of us has an affect on the people around us. Whether it is positive or negative is up to us. I know from experience thow I respond to situations. How I approach different things that come my way really does affect those around me. Recently, I had the opportunity to see first hand how much nicer a day can be when I just went with the flow, let the worry go and determined to enjoy the day and be a joy to all around me whatever came my way. My family noticed the difference, and it was really proof to me that we can change the way we deal with things. We can smile and not complain. We really can live each day with the joy that comes from Jesus. Yes, I know sometimes we don't feel well, things may be falling apart around us, we don't know the answers, we are confused or hurting, but always remember that as long as you have breath, you have life! Think about it, does our complaining ever stop the rain? People who are alive should always cherish each day they live and make memories full of joy and happiness with all those around them. "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody," Romans 12:18. We are living in a world where people are looking for answers. Sometimes they find what they think is a an- swer in the wrong places. Let us always be sure our lives are lives that should someone follow our steps, they will be following Christ. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighted in His way." Psalms 37:23. Think about it, can the world, and your family see Jesus in you? DUNCAN TIRE & AUTOm HOURS: " INSTANT CREDIT TO QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 STATEOF HEARTTOUCHLESS CAR WASH SATURDAY 7:30-1:00 = 24 HOUR TOWING ' 362-4743 .. 1-888-362-2568 ER24-HOUR TOWINGCE 422 E HOWARD ST.. LIVE OAK PLAZA www.napaautocare.com LEN A. DUNCANF 3 I 18382?7-F I I' f I r I .' I NORTH FLORiDA PRINTING CO., INC. Business Cards Letterheads Envelopes *Programs Posters Folders Flyers Labels *Newsletters Receipts Restaurant Menus PayrollChecks Hardback Books Computer Paper Full Color Copies Full Composition and Art Department with computerized typesetting Bindery department with numbering, stitching, folding, diecutting, and collating Canon Color Copies Texada & Connor Streets ( 38 ') ~ 3 1 f oll. "i.'I.1l.Ii'4 Live Oak, Florida 32060 JOU) J U -i 0 U Fax: 386-364-5567 Remember, whether you want one copy or one million copies, North Florida Printing Company has supplied Fast, Dependable, Quality Printing Since 1967 183830-F 1. -- -.-I