Hope you enjoy our newsletters!

December 27, 2024

Brethren and Friends,

Dec 30 (Monday) – We will be helping W:. Charlie Segress move into a retirement community. Please call me, the lodge, or W:. Ron Shoaf for his address in Glenpool. We will be meeting there at 10:30 am.

Jan 14 (Tuesday) – Master Mason Degree. Dinner at 6 pm, degree to follow.

The Lodge will not meet on Dec 31 for obvious reasons. 

Hurricane Relief – We are Passing the Hat for Hurricane Relief. We will be donating the money, plus match, to the Masonic Service Association of North America https://msana.com/ . If you were thinking of donating, this is a great way to increase your giving, as we will be applying for matching funds. Donate at https://balodge243.square.site/ or you can mail a check to the Lodge.

My Ramblings by W:. Scott A. MacDonald © 2024

Where are you headed?

To move from point A to point B, you need a plan. Traditionally, January 1 is a day some people choose to chart their path. Unfortunately, it is estimated only 3% to 9% of people keep their resolutions. 

So, for those of you who have tried and failed at your New Year’s resolutions in the past, here are some ideas:

1. Keep your resolutions narrow and focused. It is recommended you have no more than 3.

2. Write your resolutions down and stick them to your mirror. In the morning, read your resolutions out loud.

3. Share your resolutions with someone who will keep you accountable.

4. Don’t expect perfection. If you break one, give yourself some grace and get back to it.

5. Give each of your resolutions time to become a habit.

6. Schedule each resolution to start at a specific time in they year. You don’t have to try all of your resolutions at once. 

7. Recognize any progress is a win. 

Here are a few resolutions that you might consider.

1. Think Kind, Be Kind. Our world seems to be consumed with negativity. Be the change.

2. Expand your knowledge and skills. You can learn anything on the Internet. Don’t believe me, type your interest into YouTube.com and see what you find.

3. Improve your spiritual life. This can be as simple reading a verse a day from your Holy book. Or remembering to pray. Go to church once a month.

4. Practice gratitude. Study after study indicates when you start each day being thankful for something, your mood improves, and your life finds meaning.

5. Work on your financial wellbeing. Open a savings account, review your expenditures for unnecessary items, get new quotes for your insurance policies, etc.

6. Do your estate planning by looking into a will and trust. 

7. Engage with your community.

8. Find a new job that is fulfilling. 

9. Cultivate stronger relationships. Example: Start coming to Lodge. (You knew that was coming, right? 😊)

10. Prioritize your physical health. This could be as simple as walking 10,000 steps a day.

Good luck with your resolutions. Let me know how you do.

Lord, give us the strength to become better people. Amen.

Lodge Calendar

Dec 30 (Monday) – Assist W:. Segress in moving to a retirement community.  10:30 am. Call lodge or Ron Shoaf for the address in Glenpool.

Dec 31 (Tuesday) – 5th Tuesday – No meeting New Years Eve.

Jan 7 (Tuesday) – Stated Communication. Dinner at 6 pm. Lodge at 7 pm.

Jan 14 (Tuesday) – Master Mason Degree. Dinner at 6 pm. Degree to follow.

Jan 21 (Tuesday) – Stated Communication. Dinner at 6 pm. Lodge at 7 pm.

Jan 28 (Tuesday) – Dinner and fellowship at 6 pm and Masonic Birthdays.

May 15 (Thursday) – Sr. Deacon’s Night – Drillers Game - $40 per ticket. Limited seating so buy your tickets now. You may purchase tickets here: https://balodge243.square.site/ or send a check to the Lodge. 

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