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May 30, 2025, Newsletter #100

Brethren and Friends,

Sickness and Distress:

We morn the passing of Brother Charles Nathaniel Johnson on May 23, 2025. His funeral was yesterday. Brother Johnson was a member for 61.75 years and was 86 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his widow, Francis.

Remembrance Service for Marvin Layman is tomorrow at 11 am at the First Christian Church, 2602 S. Elm Pl., Broken Arrow, OK 74012. There will be a masonic service.

A Note From the Treasurer: As your Treasurer, it is my job to not only take care of the current finances of the lodge, but to look forward to future years as much as possible. As such, on Tuesday I will be discussing potential changes to our dues schedule. So, if you want input into the discussion, please be at lodge on Tuesday, June 3. This is just the beginning of the discussion so no final decisions will be made. But I want your input.

Yours is Better than Mine!

How often have we looked at someone else and thought “they have it all together” or “they are so successful”? This comparison can be very harmful to our happiness and joy. We might feel betrayed or angry that we aren’t like the other person.

The truth is, that person you believe “has it all together”, may not. They may be struggling with problems and issues that you know nothing about. They may have had to sacrifice family time to be “successful”. They may have done things to be successful that have them feeling guilty or ashamed.

When I worked at an internationally known accounting firm, I noticed that many of the partners in the firm had terrible home lives. I have seen doctors who have the same issue. They are highly regarded in their profession, but it takes a terrible toll on their personal relationships.

Now, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t strive to be better or make more money or get that next promotion, all it means is that we all need to look at the consequences of whatever we desire and make sure it is right for us and not because of what someone else has.

Please meditate on the following quotes:

“You can seem like a millionaire to one person and a poor person to the next. The ants think you are a giant and the trees don’t even notice you. You think you have a boring life, but the next person might be striving for your lifestyle. Comparison is the thief of joy so stay kind and keep loving life. Life is just a big game of perspective.” Author Unknown.

“Comparison is the thief of joy”. Theodore Roosevelt

“Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” Jon Accuf, NYT bestselling author.

“"The tongue of the wise brings healing, but the mouth of fools spouts out envy." Proverbs 12:20

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20: 17 (Also known as the 10th commandment.)

Lord, as you have commanded, help us to not fall victim to envy, but look to your guidance as to what we should do with our life. Amen.

Lodge Calendar

May 31 (Saturday) – remembrance service for Marvin Layman at First Christian Church in Broken Arrow.

June 3 (Tuesday) – Stated Communication. Dinner at 6 pm, lodge at 7 pm. We will be discussing potential changes to our dues schedule.

June 7 (Saturday) – EA Degree – 8 am.

June 10 (Tuesday) - Education: “Developing a Social Media Presence” by R:.W:. Don Stanton

Jun 11 (Wednesday) – District 12 – Akdar 555 – 5925 E. 9th St., Tulsa 74112 – Dinner at 6 pm program to follow.

June 14 (Saturday) – Flag Day Ceremony at the Claremore VA Hospital. Volunteers needed. Please be there by Noon. If you have any questions, please contact W:. Ron Shoaf, MOH.

June 17 (Tuesday) – Stated Communication. Dinner at 6 pm, lodge at 7 pm.

June 21 (Saturday) – 3rd Annual Masonic Jamboree. Held at Chandler Park in Tulsa, Ok from 10am-6pm. ALL MASONS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME. There will be free burgers and hot dogs. Plenty of amenities for the kids, inflatable obstacle courses, slushie truck, splash pad, etc. T-shirts are $25 at event.

June 24 (Tuesday) – Ritual Practice.

Sept 9 (Tuesday) – District 12 – Delta 425 – 1630 S 101st E. Ave, Tulsa 74128 Dinner at 6 pm program to follow.

Oct 30 (Thursday) – District 12 – Tulsa 71 - 5925 E. 9th St., Tulsa 74112 Dinner at 6 pm program to follow.

September - Fish Fry – Date to be determined.

Other Business

Please remember to pay your dues. 2025 Dues Notices are out. You can pay dues at https://balodge243.square.site/ . Or mail in your dues to 117 W. Commercial St., Broken Arrow, OK, 74012. Due date is Dec. 31.

For those who are behind in your dues, we do not want to be a financial hardship for you. We will work with you on staying in good standing, but you have to reach out to us. Please contact the lodge office at 918.251.9282 to make arrangements or email us at brokenarrowmasons@gmail.com .

Please note we are making every attempt to keep our meetings to one hour. However, if you attend and the meeting is going long, you can certainly excuse yourself from the meeting at any time.

As always, if you need a ride to/from any of these activities, please contact the lodge office at 918.251.9282.

Sincerely,

W:. Scott A. MacDonald, Treasurer and Membership Calling Chairman