tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63306112012-02-15T23:50:25.326-08:00Barrett's Church Bulletin ArticlesWelcome to my bulletin article site. What I do is minister to young Christians, their families, their friends, and others in the Fort Gibson, OK area. So check-in every now and then, and I'll try to have an encouraging word for you.Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comBlogger2281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-90906140042148006712012-02-11T23:14:00.000-08:002012-02-11T23:15:16.013-08:00News of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection never gets old
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 14, 2012
My daughter, Gracie, was the first to tell me Saturday night that some singer named Whitney Houston was dead. I was totally shocked. I explained to her that the death of this 80’s and 90’s superstar is seen by my generation the same as today’s younger generation would view the death of Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-20690473226583827792012-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:002012-02-03T13:26:16.064-08:00Some spiritual lessons can make you say uggh!
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 7, 2012
A young lady who comes to my summer camp wrote on Facebook, “It’s always your favorite sins that do you in.” To which I responded, “Yep... just like a dog returns to its vomit! (Proverbs 26:11 and 2 Peter 2:22). Too bad we can't visualize dog vomit everytime temptation presents itself!”
I Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-34908383433796919242012-01-24T09:17:00.000-08:002012-01-24T09:17:15.998-08:00In the light of God is a great place to walk
by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 31, 2012
As I went outside to start my car the other morning, I noticed my windshield was frosted over while the windshield of my wife’s car was clear.
I was thinking how strange that was and then I realized her vehicle was parked on the side of the driveway closest to the sun, while mine was still inBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-27317278706424338622012-01-20T12:13:00.000-08:002012-01-20T12:14:24.468-08:00Faith can be strengthened through trials
by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 24, 2012
Friday at about noon I was on my way to the church building to write this column you are now reading. I had barely pulled out of my driveway when I spotted my neighbor, Ramona, walking her two dogs with the aid of her powered wheelchair. I’m so glad I stopped to visit, because what she had to tell Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-74295582086351669592012-01-13T20:22:00.001-08:002012-01-13T20:22:56.874-08:00Training children for spiritual success is most important
by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 17, 2012
If you haven’t said, “Thank you” to a school teacher lately, please find one and thank them. Our teachers in Fort Gibson are among the hardest working educators I’ve ever heard of.
The demands on our teachers to bring about academic success for this generation of students are at an all time highBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-68227042538424050612012-01-05T21:34:00.000-08:002012-01-05T21:34:02.723-08:00Spiritual hazards can be avoided with practice
by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 10, 2012
Riding in a car traveling 65 miles an hour seems like an average task, that is, unless your teenage daughter is the one in the driver’s seat, training in a parent-taught driver’s education course! On this day, it became a white-knuckle experience, for both of us!
There we were cruising on Highway 62 from Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-44850590917035172772012-01-01T14:29:00.001-08:002012-01-01T14:30:23.519-08:00Commit your life to Christ in 2012
by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 3, 2012
Sunday morning, our church family had the pleasure of getting to witness three people follow through on their Bible study by putting on Christ in baptism. What a thrill!
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (NIV, Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-7964624222576789552011-12-23T15:50:00.000-08:002011-12-23T15:50:41.026-08:00Let your New Year’s resolutions be Spirit-led
Barrett Vanlandingham
December 27 , 2011
It’s hard to believe, but 2012 begins Sunday! For me, the end of one year and the beginning of another always serves as a time to reflect on what I accomplished or didn’t accomplish, and as a time to think about what I want to improve on in the coming year.
One important thing to remember in making New YearBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-67382928549079489662011-12-15T17:19:00.001-08:002011-12-15T17:20:38.143-08:00The story of Jesus is amazing
by Barrett Vanlandingham
December 20, 2011
How fortunate we are as human beings to have received the gift of Jesus Christ! His birth must have been a magnificent event for all involved. Can you even imagine the stories that Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds must have told later about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus? Can you imagine how the Inn Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-7518838161216575392011-12-06T15:36:00.000-08:002011-12-06T15:36:13.838-08:00The Bible doesn’t tell us when Christ was born
by Barrett Vanlandingham
December 13, 2011
Whether you think Christmas should be celebrated as a religious holiday or a secular one, you’ve got to admit, if you’re a Christ follower, it’s pretty exciting that much of the world actually thinks about Jesus during December!
But in all of my studies, I have never found a scripture in theBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-14986768204421339412011-12-02T12:27:00.001-08:002011-12-02T12:28:18.941-08:00The Baby Jesus Was Prophesied Long Before He Came
by Barrett Vanlandingham
December 6, 2011
This month, people all over the world, and certainly right here in Fort Gibson will be celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Christ. It’s a wonderful time of year when the global spotlight shines on one of the greatest events in history for all to see.
One of the incredible Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-5033462616725039242011-11-23T10:19:00.000-08:002011-11-23T10:19:45.936-08:00Spiritual Feasting Is the Best Meal
by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 29, 2011
Well, I trust that everyone used dietary self-restraint over Thanksgiving… as much as I did! Okay, Okay! So, maybe I was a little bit bad. After all, who can say “no” to tables full of food and dessert cooked to perfection?
Let’s just put Turkey Day behind us, and hop back onto the Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-18590805153910728722011-11-17T20:23:00.001-08:002011-11-17T20:23:39.650-08:00Thanksgiving should be a part of everyday life
by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 22, 2011
One of the great Thanksgiving traditions my church family has is to write down the things we are thankful for on a card, and then have them read aloud during our midweek service.
What comes out of this gathering is a renewed sense of our blessings. It also helps us to better understand what is important Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-6731364751054365792011-11-11T13:53:00.000-08:002011-11-11T13:53:04.846-08:00Faith in God Is Easier Than The Alternative by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 15, 2011
As I was leaving the church building a few nights ago, I literally stood still in amazement at what I saw. You may have also noticed just how incredible the full moon over Fort Gibson shone. It literally looked like it was just a few hundred yards away! I thought to myself, “How can anyone sayBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-47986939329869998562011-11-06T13:24:00.000-08:002011-11-06T13:24:38.917-08:00Shaky Ground Is No Match For God
by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 9, 2011
Funny thing happened Friday. I was having writer’s block as I sat down to compose another Fort Faith column for the Fort Gibson Times. So, I went to God in prayer about this little problem of mine. I asked God to give me something obvious to write about, something that would be relevant to my readers, something that wouldBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-59759743069013307032011-10-28T09:41:00.000-07:002011-10-28T09:41:19.595-07:00Jesus gives us lots of reasons to be thankful
By Barrett Vanlandingham
November 1, 2011
Psalm 136:1 (ESV) says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
If you’ve never read the 136th Psalm, do yourself a favor and read it. The author skillfully lists 26 things for which mankind can be thankful, and reminds us in each phrase that God’s love endures Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-56224810507300843342011-10-26T13:52:00.000-07:002011-10-26T13:52:54.839-07:00New Construction & Reduced Camper Fees for Burnt Cabin Are Coming Our Way!
by Barrett Vanlandingham
There are things we look back at and know without a doubt, it was a turning point, a watershed moment, a life-changing event.
For an estimated 39-thousand children, plus staffers and campers’ families, Burnt Cabin Christian Camp has been exactly that. It’s been over fifty years since the camp Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-59929203849505691682011-10-17T11:14:00.001-07:002011-10-17T11:14:52.551-07:00Unity Is Still Christ’s Plea
by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 25, 2011
Last week, my article focused on why the writers of the New Testament felt it was necessary to encourage new Christians and remind them of God’s will for them. I wanted to write just a little more on that topic this week.
In review, all but six books (Matthew, Mark, Luke John, Acts, and Revelation) of the Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-52861572019149750642011-10-17T09:47:00.001-07:002011-10-17T09:48:28.579-07:00The Bible’s Encouraging Words Are Timeless
by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 18, 2011
The more I read the Bible, the more it occurs to me that our generation today has a lot in common with the first century.
It has been about two-thousand years since the writers of the New Testament sent their letters to individual Christians, specific congregations, and to Christians in Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-46998789750069088122011-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:002011-10-08T05:49:07.074-07:00Everyday is a blessing from God by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 11, 2011
This past Friday morning I was sitting on my back porch having a cup of my favorite coffee. I had just ground and brewed a portion of the beans I recently brought back from my mission trip to Honduras. The sun was shining bright above the eastern horizon, the skies were a beautiful blue, the trees and Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-34834574880983869132011-09-22T09:24:00.000-07:002011-09-22T09:27:28.087-07:00Attention to Detail Really Matters
by Barrett VanlandinghamSeptember 27, 2011
To say the least, I am not a mechanical genius. Just a few days ago I yanked and pulled to start my push mower, but to no avail. “What could possibly be the problem,” I asked myself. Then, I remembered a simple solution I learned as a kid when my mini-bike became difficult to start. At age six,Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-68568662159742217522011-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:002011-09-19T08:05:18.892-07:00Homecoming Day for God’s Team Will Bring Victory For Sure
by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 20 , 2011
Fort Gibson’s homecoming festivities this Friday will no doubt result in many reunions of classmates from past years. As a minister, I can’t help but make the connection between homecoming and that final Day.This past week, a good friend to a lot of people in Fort Gibson said good-bye toBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-16408970273404998932011-09-10T22:34:00.001-07:002011-09-10T22:34:56.753-07:00An Act of Kindness Can Fit Inside A Shoebox
by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 13, 2011
When Lisa and my daughter Gracie got home from shopping Saturday night and began packing two shoebox size containers with Christmas presents bound for impoverished children in Honduras, I wondered to myself if it would even begin to make a difference.
But after re-visiting in my mind the things I witnessed Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-19701429593556224042011-08-25T08:36:00.000-07:002011-08-25T08:37:32.342-07:00A Hectic Life Is No Match for the God of
Comfort
by Barrett Vanlandingham
August 30, 2011
Did you ever have one of those weeks that just wouldn’t seem to end? We’ve all been there. For me, it came last week. I love doing full-time youth ministry more than just about anything, and I love the fact that our church hosted a four day relationships conference, and I loved the three Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-3326660358561289742011-08-19T13:39:00.000-07:002011-08-19T13:45:28.014-07:00God is with our children, even when they leave home
by Barrett Vanlandingham
August 23, 2011
As Lisa and I send our daughter, Ashton, off to Oklahoma Christian University to begin her freshman year, all kinds of thoughts rush through my mind. But the most comforting thought of all is the fact that God is going with her.
I would be naïve to think she won’t occasionally Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-69764350935579506182011-08-14T14:53:00.001-07:002011-08-14T14:53:20.636-07:00God is in control
by Barrett Vanlandingham
August 16, 2011
The rain we’ve received lately is an answer to many prayers. So, why did God make us wait so long? After all, many crops failed during the drought, cattlemen have had to pay premium prices for hay if they could even find any to buy, towns everywhere have had to ration water, and of course, there’s the heat-related illnesses and deaths. Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-37114724879686466982011-08-09T12:08:00.001-07:002011-08-09T12:08:31.085-07:00Give God the chance to be amazing this school year
by Barrett Vanlandingham
August 2, 2011
Most of the time my Fort Faith column is a devotional thought on one topic or another. But this week I am going to tell you how I was blessed this summer in the normal course of doing youth ministry at Fort Gibson Church of Christ. Of course, when you tag along with God it seems nothing Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-17140709524360589632011-08-09T12:07:00.000-07:002011-08-09T12:07:09.679-07:00A branch not connected to the vine is dead
by Barrett Vanlandingham
July 26, 2011
So what’s the big deal with church attendance? Well, for starters let’s take a look at the Gospel of John chapter 15. Jesus says, “I am the Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-8133925366056835052011-08-09T12:06:00.000-07:002011-08-09T12:06:00.728-07:00There is always hope for those who turn to the Lord
by Barrett Vanlandingham
July 19, 2011
Scripture is very clear on the fact that Christians can turn away from the Lord. This is not a good thing, but it has happened, does happen and will continue to happen as long as we are human. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).”
In writing Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-5503155508931360292011-08-09T12:04:00.001-07:002011-08-09T12:04:43.309-07:00Keep on the lookout for spiritual road hazards
by Barrett Vanlandingham
July 12, 2011
In my previous life as a TV journalist, I wrote about potholes many times, but hardly ever about manholes. But after my experience last week in Honduras with the Fort Gibson Church of Christ mission team, I definitely have a new well of stories to dig from. And yes, it includes uncovered, Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-14240211176348410782011-08-09T12:03:00.000-07:002011-08-09T12:03:22.456-07:00A joyful life begins with prayer
by Barrett Vanlandingham
July 5, 2011
The apostle Paul had some great advice about prayer: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
If there’s anyone who earned the right to say these words, it’s Paul!
Let’s just say he went Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-5327499702131755672011-08-09T12:01:00.000-07:002011-08-09T12:01:53.901-07:00There are reasons why God doesn’t always give us what we ask for
by Barrett Vanlandingham
June 28, 2011
The other night I found myself watching a new show called “Toddlers and Tiaras.” The show was basically following two little girls through a beauty pageant. If you appreciate a good show to roll your eyes at, just tune in to some of this show’s behind the scenes temper Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-49963302027776079452011-06-11T11:48:00.000-07:002011-06-11T11:49:40.170-07:00The Bible has much to say about how to prayby Barrett VanlandinghamJune 21, 2011 (part 3 of a 5 part series on prayer)Humility, love and confidence in approaching the Lord top the list when it comes to our attitude in prayer. The reason is that while it is important to keep Him on the throne and not ourselves, God wants us to approach Him with confidence because Jesus understands our struggles Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-54232947798265999772011-06-10T22:28:00.001-07:002011-06-10T22:33:55.580-07:00(Part 2 of a five part series on prayer)Prayer life improvements begin with attitude adjustmentsby Barrett VanlandinghamJune 14, 2011Prayer is not a formal, religious act we’re supposed to do now and then. But rather, it is a conversation with God anywhere, anytime. When we’re happy, or feeling sad, or angry, or lonely – no matter how we’re feeling we should talk to God on all occasions (ref: Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-15905937072162010932011-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:002011-05-20T13:44:58.451-07:00Graduation to a new life must include Jesus Christby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 24, 2011 For each of Fort Gibson’s 115 graduates, this week marks a new beginning. Our hometown kids will be scattered to the four winds before we know it. But that doesn’t mean they have to be separated from the most important things in life. Graduates will be faced with many crossroads, detours, and exit ramps Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-82512470416344893402011-05-20T13:31:00.000-07:002011-05-20T13:44:58.454-07:00Children are important in God’s kingdomby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 31, 2011 A few Sundays ago, two little kids were standing at the front door of our church building greeting everyone with a grin and holding the doors open. The children didn’t even realize the positive effect they were having on all the people who were entering the building for worship. But for all those who entered the Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-20513158223972079362011-05-15T14:27:00.001-07:002011-05-15T14:28:23.164-07:00Spilled coffee can make for a great Bible lessonby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 17, 2011It was just another start of the day at the office. I made a pot of coffee in the church kitchen. I poured my tall 20-ounce paper cup to within a half inch from the top. Then I sat it down on the counter top so I could rinse out the filter holder on the coffee machine. But somehow, when I removed the filter holderBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-65994724193378111362011-05-06T23:25:00.000-07:002011-05-06T23:26:50.188-07:00The Bible says life’s twists and turns are actually good for usby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 10, 2011Last Sunday night, I was beginning to introduce the graduating seniors from our church during a special ceremony when I realized I, in fact, am the parent of a graduating senior.You always think you know what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes until you’re actually in their shoes. My oldest Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-76333425377361221182011-04-27T14:29:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:30:05.283-07:00Rain and Rainbows Are Great Remindersby Barrett Vanlandingham April 27, 2011At age 500, Noah spent the next 100 years building the ark when finally God told him the rain would begin after seven more days. Imagine Noah’s relief (and probably terror) when God finally followed through with what He said He’d do, putting an end to what must have seemed like an eternity of jeers and sneers from Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-53153452476768487752011-04-22T23:15:00.000-07:002011-04-22T23:16:39.055-07:00God’s power is available for every Christianby Barrett VanlandinghamApril 26, 2011As I sit down to write my Fort Faith column on a late Friday night, I think about the power displayed in the thunder, lightning, hail and tornados just a couple of hours before.Who could possibly put together such wonders of nature but God? Just read Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:18-20. In this passage, Paul is Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-68903870192067936202011-04-15T10:50:00.000-07:002011-04-15T10:51:25.411-07:00We all have God-given talents that need to be used by Barrett Vanlandingham April 19, 2011 Have you ever been asked to do church work and it just didn’t do anything for you? In fact, it may have even been a task that just made you dread coming to church services? That’s exactly what Paul was trying to prevent from happening to the church in Ephesus. So, he wrote a letter in hopes of helping them Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-59926126278449791282011-04-08T08:41:00.001-07:002011-04-08T08:41:43.462-07:00Spring is a great time to see God by Barrett Vanlandingham April 12, 2011 “What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding, the birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming, that’s how it is with God’s love, once you experience it, you want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, you want to pass it on.” Those beautiful lyrics come from a song I learned years ago as a camper at Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-8515406512353783852011-03-31T22:57:00.000-07:002011-03-31T22:58:10.669-07:00A local church wants to help caregivers by Barrett Vanlandingham April 5, 2011 Every 69 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. It is the sixth leading killer, and it afflicts over five million Americans. In addition, there are about 15 million caregivers who put in some 17 billion hours of unpaid care for their friends and loved ones each year. This information comes Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-75655689719397688402011-03-26T22:08:00.001-07:002011-03-26T22:08:55.900-07:00Great friendships know no age boundariesby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 29, 2011A large roomful of pre-schoolers and senior citizens, and teenagers teamed with widows and widowers. Dozens of unlikely friendships gathered Saturday night at the Fort Gibson Church of Christ for a special banquet.It’s part of their Adopt-a-Widow and Special Friend program. The children decided on a menu of chicken pot Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-6486174256299835282011-03-20T13:46:00.001-07:002011-03-20T13:46:50.992-07:00Making Godly decisions will help you avoid negative consequencesby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 22, 2011Sunday morning I was in a hurry to get to the church building for a prayer meeting before services. So in my attempt to put that final touch on my hair, I grabbed a tube of styling gel. But just before I took the cap off, my wife Lisa said, “Wait a minute! That’s not hair gel, that’s shampoo!” WeBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-40899028055372078502011-03-11T21:18:00.001-08:002011-03-11T21:18:47.974-08:00The truth of God’s word is no illusionby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 15, 2011My son has been playing “magic” tricks on me all week. And even though Britton is only 12-years old, some of his illusions are truly amazing. Sometimes he uses them to tell Bible stories. So, I began to think to myself that if my own sweet, innocent son can wow me with sleight of hand, imagine what the devil can do with Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-79182354229408566542011-03-03T22:09:00.000-08:002011-03-03T22:10:23.856-08:00Rebelling against God’s word doesn’t change the truthby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 8, 2011In a world where the majority of people believe that truth is relative, our incentive for sticking with God is just as powerful as ever. You see, just because someone doesn’t believe in God’s ability to save us from eternal damnation doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Whether you’re in Fort Gibson or Hollywood, Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-23706363407293737132011-02-24T21:26:00.000-08:002011-02-24T21:27:05.206-08:00Putting joy in your worship puts a smile in your heartby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 29, 2011Psalm 28:7 says, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”Years ago, I was at a church service when the worship leader stopped the song and asked us if we had joy in our hearts, and then he said with a smile, Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-25770622754817962202011-02-18T14:52:00.000-08:002011-02-18T14:53:00.876-08:00Absolute truth can be found if you look in the right placeby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 22, 2011Just before Jesus was crucified, he told the Roman governor, Pontius Pilot, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me (John 18:37).” Pilate responded, “What is truth?”People have been searching for ages to find the answer to that question. Unfortunately, we have not always looked in the right Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-38165953361802988962011-02-11T16:01:00.001-08:002011-02-11T16:01:33.547-08:00Bible verses of comfort have been time testedby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 15, 2011With all the cold and snow we’ve been through in the last couple of weeks, it’s hard to imagine we still have over 30 days of winter left! On the other hand, we could say that spring is only a month away! I think I like the sound of that better.That’s the way it is in life, too. The facts are simply the facts. Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-3920173255749115052011-02-02T15:28:00.000-08:002011-02-02T15:29:46.920-08:00Winter storms bring spiritual lessons as numerous as snowflakesby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 8, 2011As I looked outside my window at a few of Fort Gibson’s snow-packed neighborhoods, I thought about what spiritual lessons could be learned. And since we were all snowed-in for a few days, I asked my family to help me come up with some ideas. Here are five of them:1) No matter how bad things lookBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-33833439659674344282011-01-28T07:50:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:43:28.011-08:00Confessing Jesus as God’s Son should change your lifeby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 1, 20112 Timothy 2:19 says, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”When it comes to hope of heaven, this verse should be of interest to everyone. Confess is one of only a few words in the New Testament that gives us specific Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-35258194655884834742011-01-18T15:59:00.001-08:002011-01-18T16:06:45.281-08:00Views of non-Christians should cause Christians to re-evaluateby Barrett VanlandinghamJanuary 25, 2011Have you ever heard a non-Christian or maybe a “fallen away” Christian say that church people are just a bunch of hypocrites? I know I have. Granted, there are some folks who just use this phrase as an excuse to not commit to being an active part of a church family. That being said, in some casesBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-70791745299719073792011-01-13T15:35:00.001-08:002011-01-13T15:35:31.761-08:00The love of Christ is important to Fort Gibsonby Barrett VanlandinghamJanuary 18, 20112011 begins my fifth year of writing my “Fort Faith” column for the Fort Gibson Times. So far, I’ve written on topics such as salvation, reliability of the Bible, mission work, evolution, and Christian attitudes.These are all important things to talk about. But there is no more important topic to discuss than Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-24394787408027646362011-01-06T16:13:00.000-08:002011-01-06T16:14:11.330-08:00Article on creation sparks heated commentsby Barrett VanlandinghamJanuary 11, 2011By far, the Fort Faith article of 2010 that received the most feedback was printed in the October 27 Fort Gibson Times. It was titled: The Bible is easy to believe when you examine the evidence.I really don’t consider myself to be a controversial writer. I guess that’s why I was shocked at the level of insults Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-32233340167656242712010-12-21T14:22:00.000-08:002010-12-21T14:26:18.085-08:00God presence can improve your New Yearby Barrett VanlandinghamDecember 28, 2010In just a few days we will ring in the New Year of 2011. In the Bible, the New Testament has a lot to say about new things.In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”Most of us probably like the sound of becoming a new creation, Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-72880061445091498642010-11-30T22:28:00.000-08:002010-11-30T22:29:23.028-08:00God can bring peace to life’s challengesby Barrett VanlandinghamDecember 7, 2010When I entered into full-time ministry nearly nine years ago, I didn’t realize Satan worked against Christians in so many ways.As you read this, I will be returning from a week of fact-finding in Honduras for the Fort Gibson Church of Christ. Our missions deacon Glen Elliott and I are hoping to find a replacement tripBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-64302805335384165462010-11-23T15:26:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:27:00.630-08:00The more you give, the more you are like Godby Barrett VanlandinghamNovember 30, 2010I don’t know about you but every morning when I wake up, there are certain things I expect God to do for me. I expect the sun to rise. I expect there to be ground to walk on. I expect there to be air to breathe. And I expect there to be a heavenly home awaiting me if this should be my last day to live.But have Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-34654521148253391782010-11-11T18:09:00.000-08:002010-11-11T18:10:50.710-08:00The Autumn Season Highlights God’s Handiworkby Barrett VanlandinghamNovember 16, 2010For the first time ever, the leaves on the maple tree in my yard turned a brilliant bright yellow splashed with shades of orange and red! Past years have not been near this impressive. But this year? Well, as my son put it, “Our tree looks like a picture!”Of course, why should anyone be surprised? After all, God Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-61819889338528694182010-10-25T16:36:00.000-07:002010-10-25T16:37:25.651-07:00God’s word can guide us through Satan’s deceptionsby Barrett VanlandinghamNovember 9, 2010I consider myself to be pretty savvy when it comes to the internet. But about a month and a half ago, I accidentally subscribed to a penny bidding service called swipeauctions.com. The way I understood it, you’re supposed to pay a penny to bid on an item. Then, the company charges your credit card for your Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-78071838663287535602010-10-25T16:35:00.000-07:002010-10-25T16:36:13.883-07:00Facing fears versus fleeing evil: thoughts from the campfireby Barrett VanlandinghamNovember 2, 2010My 12-year old son Britton and I went on a little hunting and camping trip at my parents’ farm in Tahlequah over fall break. There’s nothing more relaxing to me than a night with a full moon, perfect weather, a campfire, and a tent by a pond on the side of a hill. It was fun even though I kept Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-74364086798296024572010-10-21T14:41:00.000-07:002010-10-21T14:42:11.219-07:00The Bible is easy to believe when you examine the evidenceby Barrett VanlandinghamOctober 26, 2010I used to take it for granted that when I began a Bible study with someone that they at least believed in God, and believed in the Bible’s account of creation. Well, that hasn’t been the case for me for quite some time. In fact, these days it seems it is more fashionable than ever to doubt God word Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-31195086911326625832010-10-15T22:05:00.000-07:002010-10-15T22:06:00.787-07:00Bible principles hold key to quality of lifeby Barrett VanlandinghamOctober 19, 2010Since I love chips and salsa, I didn’t think I would have any problem taste testing just one single hot pepper. Well, I was wrong. Evidently, there was a reason someone dropped off a full bag of peppers at the church recently. I’m guessing it was because they were too hot to eat! And since they didn’t come with Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-90806322237069435432010-10-08T22:03:00.001-07:002010-10-08T22:03:53.903-07:00Taking a fresh look the Creatorby Barrett VanlandinghamOctober 12, 2010Who are we supposed to believe anyway? As I watched a world news report the other day, it focused on a crystal cave in Mexico that scientists say is 500-million years old. The cave is quite impressive. But is it really that old?Between Hollywood, textbooks and science museums, an entire culture if not an entire world has Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-6129731327903839712010-10-02T09:28:00.001-07:002010-10-06T09:36:04.760-07:00The greatest homecoming of all is still to comeby Barrett VanlandinghamOctober 5, 2010Homecoming weekend here in Fort Gibson was quite spectacular. The weather was perfect, the school spirit was “over the top”, the parade featured a long line of class floats as well as an impressive cast of queens and their kings.Every parent and grandparent along the parade route, in the fieldhouse, and in the Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-31629858846178148242010-09-24T14:19:00.000-07:002010-09-24T14:20:43.242-07:00There is a safe place in life’s stormsby Barrett VanlandinghamSeptember 28, 2010You may remember the old hymn that says, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” I know it may seem strange, but those words popped into my head the other day after coming out of a School Safety and Health Committee meeting. There I sat with three students, two teachers, and the vice-principal of Fort Gibson Middle SchoolBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-47146499296395609612010-09-17T19:37:00.000-07:002010-09-17T19:38:33.470-07:00You can’t judge spiritual cleanliness by what’s on the outsideby Barrett VanlandinghamSeptember 21, 2010One thing I do not enjoy is taking my car to the carwash. But occasionally I do it anyway so it won’t be too much of an eyesore. And if it rains, well, that’s all the better since that means I may be able to stretch a little farther between car washings.Anyway, the other day I got into my car Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-13716851950902681732010-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:002010-09-08T14:17:07.599-07:00Commitment to marriage starts with Godby Barrett VanlandinghamSeptember 14, 2010We all know of places throughout this country where long marriages are considered a novelty. My parents, Charles and Judy Vanlandingham of Tahlequah, are celebrating their 54th anniversary this month. Funny thing is, even though 54 years together is a great accomplishment, long marriages are not that unique in our Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-27821356416515391662010-09-02T13:32:00.001-07:002010-09-02T13:32:54.857-07:00Christ-like teens can make a big differenceSeptember 7, 2010by Barrett VanlandinghamI was checking Facebook this week when I noticed a thought-provoking conversation among three local teenagers. One boy wrote, “I don’t feel like going to church tonight.” Another boy responded, “When you don’t feel like going, that’s exactly when you really need to go.” Next, a young lady chimed in with, “Hey, Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-89627131668896698822010-08-26T16:02:00.000-07:002010-08-26T16:03:25.536-07:00The secret to overcoming evil is good!by Barrett VanlandinghamAugust 31, 2010“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9)”This has to be one of the hardest Biblical commands to obey. After all, why would anyone want to give a blessing to someone who has just insulted them?As kids have Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-76038073398794948892010-08-20T18:08:00.000-07:002010-08-20T18:09:31.548-07:00The Christian life is not as hard as pulling teeth, really!by Barrett VanlandinghamAugust 24, 2010My 12-year old son, Britton, and I walked into the dentist office Friday for him to have some teeth pulled. What we didn’t know is that he would be getting NINE teeth pulled that very day. His orthodontist wanted the dentist to pull the rest of Britton’s baby teeth so his big teeth could grow in Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-66901961884865132342010-08-13T13:54:00.001-07:002010-08-13T13:54:34.198-07:00Doing without can be a blessingby Barrett VanlandinghamAugust 17, 2010The Bible speaks of fasting a lot more than other topics that we as Christians tend to dwell on. I wonder why? Could it be that fasting just simply doesn’t fit our lifestyle in America? This idea of purposely doing without is a thought worth spending some time on.For me, food is the last thing I want to do without for any Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-51208584711183826702010-08-06T19:05:00.000-07:002010-08-06T19:06:36.957-07:00Timing is Everythingby Barrett VanlandinghamAugust 10, 2010I once heard a Bible class teacher ask his students, “Who all wants to go to heaven?” Of course, everyone raised their hands. Then he asked, “Who all wants to go right now?” Hilariously, no one raised their hands! Sadly, that’s the way it is for many people.Last Friday, an afternoon ride on my Kawasaki was about as good as it could get inBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-84935136783800233352010-07-28T13:56:00.001-07:002010-07-28T13:56:41.036-07:00Summer Commitments Put to the Testby Barrett VanlandinghamAugust 3, 2010Another summer of church camp is over! For some kids, it was a time to re-unite with friends, or let barriers down that often stay up during the school year. Others say it’s a time to get closer to God, or re-commit their lives to following Christ. Inspiring worship, Bible classes, and discussion times are also a big part of Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-38151305644692679632010-07-16T18:10:00.000-07:002010-07-16T18:11:06.675-07:00Cast down your bucket where you are!by Barrett VanlandinghamJuly 27, 2010Booker T. Washington once gave a speech in which he told the story of a ship’s captain who was desperately trying to save his crew. They were in the Atlantic Ocean just off the northern coast of South America. The captain signaled to another ship’s captain to send drinking water before his crew literally died of thirst. The Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-27283443171522637982010-07-16T16:32:00.000-07:002010-07-16T16:33:49.477-07:00Ahh Shucks! Another lesson from my gardenby Barrett VanlandinghamJuly 20, 2010Both of the small corn patches in my backyard were beginning to look more than a little suspect. So, I went ahead and picked’em, boiled’em, and served’em to my family over the weekend with some peppers, onions, green beans, and some leftover pork.There weren't many kernels, but at least it was good and sweet, just the Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-1442554764099876912010-07-09T16:58:00.000-07:002010-07-09T16:59:31.676-07:00Bible thoughts from Crape Myrtlesby Barrett VanlandinghamJuly 13, 2010My wife’s parents came to visit over the weekend. This is always a good thing because my father-in-law, Harold, is quite a handyman. So, Lisa immediately handed her dad a “things to do” list. One of those items was to save her crape myrtles.With all of the recent rain, these small flowering decorative trees are struggling to Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-21858259746763090352010-06-29T13:14:00.000-07:002010-06-29T13:17:37.392-07:00The Son can make all things beautifulby Barrett VanlandinghamJuly 6, 2010This is my family’s inaugural year for growing corn. So far, we have yet to pick anything off the stalk. But at least we have stalks to pick from, I think.We planted two small patches of the corn several weeks ago. The first is on the west side of my house where it’s shady in the morning and late afternoon. The second patch Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-37182046677426730672010-06-18T13:37:00.000-07:002010-06-18T13:38:10.729-07:00Trusting in the Lord is worth the effortby Barrett VanlandinghamJune 22, 2010As I write this article, I am nervously preparing for a rappelling trip at Robber’s Cave near Wilburton with several other church members. I’ve never been rappelling. The only thing I know about it is that it involves a cliff, a rope, a good amount of trust, and a lot of butterflies in my stomach at this point.There are Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-87504522514278881312010-06-11T18:03:00.001-07:002010-06-11T18:03:38.553-07:00A Happy Father Accepts His God-Given Roleby Barrett VanlandinghamJune 15, 2010In today’s culture, we have all but made man into some sort of neutral human with no unique characteristics or role different from that of a woman. A lot of TV shows these days paint dads out to be the weakest member of the family, a buffoon, with no or very little leadership ability.This is opposite to what God’s word Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-21431200619923967412010-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:002010-05-27T12:32:04.751-07:00Angels anyone? Spiritual warfare in Fort Gibson is very realJune 1, 2010by Barrett VanlandinghamNot many would dispute the fact that God is alive and well in Fort Gibson. He is our only hope, and is very active in our lives today. That statement is true whether anyone agrees. But when it comes to angels, the opinions vary greatly. Some people mistakenly place too much importance on angels which Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-57689968299649050382010-05-21T22:38:00.000-07:002010-05-21T22:39:39.515-07:00The older generation has much to offerby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 25, 2010Try after try, I failed miserably at starting a campfire for my son and his friend over the weekend. My credibility as an outdoorsman was quickly going up in smoke. I was trying to make good use of a pile of green wood my good friend Curtis brought me a few days ago. I stacked small pieces of green wood on top of shredded Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-17199405035876232502010-05-13T08:22:00.000-07:002010-05-13T08:23:03.225-07:00Dancing in the Rainby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 18, 2010With all of the storms we’ve had lately I couldn’t help but think of something I read the other day. It said, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Think about that one!I just began my ninth year in full-time youth ministry here in Fort Gibson. During that time, I have met some incredible Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-59860734947426734402010-05-07T22:15:00.000-07:002010-05-07T22:16:06.569-07:00Christian image problems can be solved one person at a timeby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 11, 2010A recent survey of people who are outside of Christianity suggests those of us who wear the name Christian have our work cut out for us.According to a book titled “UnChristian” by the Barna Group’s David Kinnaman, there are six common points of skepticism and objections raised by people outside of Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-90709560623503282752010-05-01T11:06:00.001-07:002010-05-01T11:06:45.774-07:00Knowing Jesus is a two-way streetby Barrett VanlandinghamMay 4, 2010In last week’s article, I still wasn’t sure whether I would take my son, Britton, and his friend Teddy camping over the weekend for his 12th birthday. Well, we decided against it and I’m glad we did because a pretty good rain did in fact come in overnight. So, we went skating in Tahlequah instead.I sat on a bench against the wallBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-42897749573049407182010-04-23T14:53:00.001-07:002010-04-23T14:53:33.404-07:00Rain is an inconvenient necessityby Barrett VanlandinghamApril 27, 2010As I was trying to decide whether to go camping over the weekend for my son’s birthday, the major question in my mind was “Is it going to rain?” The only reason it seemed like a big deal was because we were going to be sleeping in a tent! What to do? What to do? Overnight in a tent was Britton’s only birthday request and the Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-72854421955789240712010-04-15T14:48:00.000-07:002010-04-15T14:53:15.057-07:00Being added to the Church is God's jobby Barrett VanlandinghamApril 20, 2010Occasionally, I hear someone talking about which church they decided to join. This subject always gets my attention since Jesus died for only one church. Which one? Well, we can only assume that he died for the one described in the New Testament of the Bible. I will leave the line-drawing among denominations to God, as toBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-27675369824972166002010-04-08T14:53:00.000-07:002010-04-15T14:54:23.816-07:00Fine tuning your spiritual walkby Barrett VanlandinghamApril 13, 2010Have you ever known the answer to a problem in your life but just couldn’t get motivated to do anything about it? If you’re alive at all, the answer to that is a definite yes.As Christians, this is one of the biggest dilemmas we deal with. We are not short on good advice, knowledge about spiritual things, or good information on Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-43837124112142405412010-04-02T22:11:00.000-07:002010-04-02T22:12:20.044-07:00The Sunday after Easter also tells a storyby Barrett VanlandinghamApril 6, 2010I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter weekend. Family meals, egg hunting, and religious gatherings are all hallmarks of this very special holiday. But every year it causes me to wonder how church buildings everywhere can be so packed on one Sunday, and not so much the very next week and the weeks following.It’s almostBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-37286822920375325962010-03-26T11:04:00.000-07:002010-03-26T11:05:00.672-07:00Spring into a new season of faithBy Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 30, 2010My daughter, Gracie, brought home a bouquet of wild yellow daffodils a few days ago she picked from the field that sits between the Christian Church and the Church of Christ. The flowers are in a clear vase sitting on my supper table as I write. It’s heart-warming to imagine that those flowers were planted years ago when a Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-45414052546502983202010-03-17T16:10:00.000-07:002010-03-17T16:11:45.597-07:00God rules in the kingdoms of menby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 23, 2010One of the most difficult ideas to comprehend in the Bible is that of God being in control of everything. The reason this is hard to accept is because of all the bad things we see happening to people and places here on earth.The Old Testament tells the story of how Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar came to understand this in a veryBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-46658323662437199792010-03-09T13:02:00.001-08:002010-03-09T13:02:32.693-08:00Lessons can be learned one cup at a timeby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 16, 2010This week, my eyes were drawn to a caption on the Folgers Coffee can I was finishing off that said, “Makes 380 cups!” I thought to myself, “Surely I didn’t drink 380 cups!” Well, after doing some thinking I came to the conclusion I probably drank at least 300 of those cups anyway. But how in the world does one person Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-14577582660794947892010-03-06T20:23:00.000-08:002010-03-06T20:25:10.688-08:00Spend quality time with those you loveby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 9, 2010Wasn’t Saturday just a beautiful weather day? Well that night my daughters were out of town, my wife was at work, and my 11-year old son said, “Hey dad, can we have some of that real tough steak like we had that one time?” I thought to myself, “Everyone’s gone but me and my son, we can have anything we want for dinner, andBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-91954194886632155742010-02-25T14:35:00.000-08:002010-02-25T14:36:15.088-08:00Disappointments do not get the last wordby Barrett VanlandinghamMarch 2, 2010Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”Now that is a BIG promise. But as life’s disappointments come our way, it’s hard to believe God’s assurances sometimes, isn’t it? Especially Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-43259714808052170582010-02-17T11:27:00.000-08:002010-02-17T11:29:56.605-08:00God’s blessings are such a joyby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 23, 2010I was blessed again this week. This time with a letter I received from an elderly but very energetic widow lady named Susie from Wagoner.I met Susie about three years ago when I brought a group of Fort Gibson teenagers to her house along with a few others who were assigned to me at a nearby teen leadership conference. We were Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-37385162913479826742010-02-13T23:44:00.001-08:002010-02-13T23:44:43.588-08:00Mission work can be right under your noseby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 16, 2010There’s nothing quite like coming back home. Last week, I returned from a mission trip to a growing community just outside of Monterrey, Mexico called Santa Monica. I’ve written about my trips there before. 14 of us made the weeklong trek across the border.Our job this time was to place rebar on the second story Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-23026582360706250592010-01-28T09:10:00.001-08:002010-01-28T09:10:37.294-08:00Sowing seeds may be more effective than you thinkby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 9, 2010We’ve all heard the saying, “You reap what you sow.” A lot of times, it’s used to mean something bad is happening because of something someone did or didn’t do. But occasionally it’s nice to see that phrase being played out in a positive way.The other day, Debbie Edwards visited our church, and in fact Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-14645554662802842132010-01-26T11:45:00.000-08:002010-01-26T11:46:23.039-08:00If there were radar for the storms of lifeby Barrett VanlandinghamFebruary 2, 2010As I sit at my desk on a clear, cold, sunny Tuesday afternoon writing this article, it is hard for me to imagine that an ice and snow storm may be only a day or so away. By the time you read this, the storm may have already come through Fort Gibson and gone; at least that’s what the weather radar is predicting. We’Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-12837921696929573232010-01-23T15:14:00.000-08:002010-01-23T15:15:02.946-08:00Family time, religion, and the extra’s can be balancedby Barrett VanlandinghamJanuary 26, 2010Have you ever felt as busy as a Chinese plate spinner or maybe a circus juggler when it comes to balance in your family’s life?Even in small town Fort Gibson, family time is getting harder to come by these days as our children become involved in more and more activities. It can actually be a good thing Barrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330611.post-87086375806871606342010-01-12T15:32:00.000-08:002010-01-12T15:33:45.904-08:00Internet, God’s word, and teens:What an encouraging combination!by Barrett VanlandinghamJanuary 19, 2010I recently read a Facebook entry from a young lady in my youth group that quoted Jeremiah 29:11 as an encouragement to someone else. For those of you who aren’t computer people, Facebook is like a diary that you put on the internet for your friends to see and make comments on. I’m sure JeremiahBarrett (youth minister)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04031169433256023533noreply@blogger.com