Friday

“And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalms 23:1-6 NLT

*Adrianna Cavanagh’s CaringBridge page:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh/journal

*I know that many people know Elaine Stewart. She is at North Oaks Rehab Hospital. Elaine had a fractured hip and had three rods and two screws put in her hip. It will be a long process, so please pray for her recovery.

Esther Rodriguez

*Chance O’Hern had his heart cauterization yesterday.  All went well.  Thank God for a good report.

*Mason Carter’s surgery is today, not yesterday.  Extra prayers are not a problem!

*Jimmy Schwartz will be having knee surgery in less than two weeks.  Please be in prayer for him.

*Pray for Wayne and Cora Morris.  Wayne is not doing well.

*Pray for the people where Holly K. is in western Africa.  There’s much flooding there.

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana missions

Day 6 – Directors of Missions

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

DOM-pgLaborers, with a job to do, work at it until it is done. Paul taught that the labor is as important as the goal; “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not for men.” (Colossians 3:22). The labor is not for us; it is for God.

For ten years, as Director of Missions in Northwest Baptist Association, Eddie DeHondt (recently retired) encouraged churches and pastors to be involved in missions. Everything about this labor excites him – seeing individuals’ lives change as they come to know the Lord as Savior and then mature, taking their places as disciples and leaders. Churches sponsoring mission work share this excitement as they experience blessings and renewed vision.

Bro. Eddie is representative of twenty-one other Directors of Missions in Louisiana whose role in missions may be much like that of Timothy when he was sent to Athens, “…to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (1Thessalonians 3:2).

Bro. Eddie says a mission may often “feel like orphans, children with hopes, dreams and goals, but no one to guide them. The Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering helps mission churches, church plants and ministries to have hopes, dreams and goals.”

  • Pray Mark 9:35-39 for workers to be called out.
  • Pray for the mission pastors serving in your association by name.
  • Pray for ministry and evangelism projects and mission building projects in the associations.

Vernon Shelton Pulliam “Hoss”

//
Vernon Pulliam, 46, born March 23, 1962, died Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kan. He is survived by his wife, Emily Rae Wing Pulliam. Hoss and Emily were married on Feb. 25, 2006. Also surviving are his mother, Marie Lanier Pulliam; brother and sister-in-law, Charles K. Pulliam and Susan Sharp Pulliam; two nephews, Reggie Pulliam and Chase Pulliam; sister and brother-in-law, Roxanne Pulliam Sumrall and Perry Sumrall; and niece, Elizabeth Marie Sumrall. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Shelton Pulliam. Memorial services are scheduled in Topeka for Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. under the direction of Davidson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Amite Church of Christ at a later date yet to be determined. Hoss met his final days with courage. He knew that as a Christian, he would joyfully meet Jesus and find peace and relief from his suffering. May the Lord send comfort to his family and friends.
THE PASSING OF TIME

The rules at a particular university were such that if the professor were not present in the classroom by 15 minutes past the hour, the class was considered a “walk” and the students were free to leave — with no penalties for missing a class.  The rooms were equipped with the type wall clocks which “jumped” ahead each minute, in a very noticeable fashion.  These clocks were also not of the most sophisticated construction.  Some enterprising student discovered that if one were to hit the clock with chalkboard erasers, it would cause the clock to “jump” ahead one minute.

So, it became almost daily routine for these students to take target practice at the clock (as it would have it, this particular professor was not the most punctual).  A few well-aimed erasers, and lo, 15 minutes were passed, and class dismissed itself.

When the day for the next exam rolled around, the professor strolled into the room, passed out the exams, and told them “You have one hour to complete it.”

The professor then proceeded to collect the erasers from around the room and gleefully took aim at the clock.  When he had successfully “jumped” the clock forward one hour, he closed the class and collected the exam papers.

We’ll all been in situations where we would like for time to jump ahead and move faster than it does.  But, as we get older, we become aware than time is moving quite fast enough on its own, without any help!

“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle…” (Job 2:6)

“Now my days are swifter than a runner; They flee away….They pass by like swift ships, Like an eagle swooping on its prey.” (Job 9:25-26)

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14b)

The Bible speaks often about how quickly life passes, not to depress us, but to bring us to the realization that we had better be preparing now for the eternity that lies beyond this life.

If you find yourself watching the clock at work today, wishing the time would pass faster, be careful!  It will be gone before you know it.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for reading and praying today.
Anna Lee

Thursday

“And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

~Psalms 23:6 NLT~


Just want to let everyone know that we have a beautiful new grandson.  Henry Steele Backus arrived Sept. 14 weighing in at 8 lbs. 6 oz., son of Rebecca and Aaron Backus.  All are doing well.

Frank and Mary Alice


Pray for Chance O’Hern as he has a heart catharization at Oschsner’s today.  Pray for the medical staff and the family was you pray for Chance.

Pray for Mason Carter as he has sinus surgery again today.  Pray it is effective.


Tiffany Bankston Currier got another good report.  Thank God for the progress she has made in the last three months.


Cathy Stringer continues to have serious medical problems as a result of her heart failure.  Pray for the family as they sit by her side and pray.


Caring Bridge sites to read and children to pray for today

Dr. Jerry Rankin will retire from the IMB.  I’m thankful to know one date on his calendar in these last months will be speaking/sharing/encouraging in Kentwood.  Pray for the Rankins as they prepare for the next step God has planned for their lives.
Georgia Barnette Week of Prayer for Louisiana missions

Day 5 – Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Ministry

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

ToledoBend-pgIn I Corinthians 3:5-8, Paul points out that each person involved in farming has a necessary role. “One plants, one waters, but God brings the growth.” We each have a role in reaching the lost in Louisiana for Christ.

Missionary Mary Gore and Associate Missionary Lee McClintock at Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Ministry understand that being “laborers together” involves many others. Along with three other recreational and vacation-type ministries in Louisiana, they find ways to bring worship experiences to people on vacation.

Typical ministries at Toledo Bend include Backyard Bible Clubs, day camps, puppet shows, concerts and worship services at the marinas; the ministry has expanded to include work in local apartment complexes, schools, block parties and festivals. The goal at Toledo Bend and other resort ministries is to provide every person with whom they make contact an opportunity to make a decision for Christ.

The churches that make up the five associations in “District 8” are partners, as is the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Mary Gore is an appointed North American missionary; making them another partner.

  • Thank God for continued support from Louisiana Baptists through state missions giving and volunteering.
  • Pray always. Mary Gore says if “we would all pray, we would give; and if we would all give, we would meet our mission needs.”
  • Pray for volunteers that come not just in the summer, but throughout the year.
  • Pray for the fall ministries at Toledo Bend and opportunities to present the Gospel to persons at fairs and festivals.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

A STORY IS told about a man who came face to face with the dangers of worry…
Death was walking toward a city one morning and a man asked, “What are you going to do?”  “I’m going to take 100 people,” Death replied.  “That’s horrible!” the man said.  “That’s the way it is,” Death said.  “That’s what I do.”  The man hurried to warn everyone he could about Death’s plan.  As evening fell, he met Death again.  “You told me you were going to take 100 people,” the man said.  “Why did 1,000 die?!”  “I kept my word,” Death responded.  “I only took 100 people.  Worry took the others.”

“An anxious heart weighs a man down.”
~Proverbs 12:25~
Don’t forget the food, fellowship, and devotional time at the Cabin tonight at 6:30.  I hope to see you.

Have a terrific Thursday!
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Surely your . . . unfailing love

will pursue me all the days of my life.”

~Psalms 23:6 NLT~

CaringBridge sites

Mrs. Lucille Pledger‘s daughter, Melinda, is planning a big part for “Miss” Lucille’s 90th birthday on September 24th.  Let’s let her know Kentwood connected people still love and care for her.

Melinda’s address is:

Melinda Huss
2307 Western Drive
Decatur,  IL  62521

There will be a share group meeting at the cabin Thursday at 6:30.  Feel free to join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.

Stephen and Melissa Muse of Magnolia, TX celebrated the birth of Sydney Elizabeth Muse at 6:24 p.m. on 9/14/09. She weighed 7 lbs. and 3 oz. and was 19 1/2″ long. She will be welcomed home by big brother Brayden. Her grandparents are Jimmy and Norma Muse of Kentwood, Ron and Mickie Taylor of Corpus Christi, TX and Robyn Love of Magnolia, TX.

Week of Prayer for the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions

Day 4 – Still Water Church, Hammond

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

StillWater-pgIn 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul identifies two persons, each working toward a common goal, each with a specific task; Paul planted, Apollos watered. They planted and watered because God directed; the blessings came because of the power and will of God. God is the Source, the Power that enables us to work together.

Lonnie Tucker, pastor/church planter at Still Water Church in Hammond, would agree. “God has shown himself strong in many ways through our church.” He has provided materially – a building for this church – and spiritually, giving many opportunities to win people to Christ and to disciple them. God has provided sponsorship through Woodland Park Baptist Church, a church that feels blessed because they are able to be part of making God’s glory known in the community, according to Matt Jones, youth minister.

Still Water Church, like other church plants, networks with other pastors and churches to share resources and explore ways to be more evangelistic and missional. Pastor Lonnie Tucker, like other church planters, balances pastoral responsibilities with family and a secular job – all through God’s guidance.

  • Thank God that assistance from the state missions offering enabled the purchase of their first building, a building which they have already outgrown.
  • Pray for even more opportunities to interact with the lost and unchurched which leads to time of sharing Christ.
  • Pray for awareness of God’s continued presence and guidance. Matt Jones reminds us that “the enemy doesn’t like new starts.”

Annual Fall Food Roundup for Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home

  • Pickup at FBC, Kentwood Monday morning
  • Place items in stairwell at office entrance


Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

~Psalms 23:4 NLT~

Caring Bridge sites for you to read today:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cheyennehartman

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coltonfrazier

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmyandretiadukes

Pray for Elizabeth Hughes Cooper as she has surgery today.  Her mom came home to be with her for a while.  I know that will help Elizabeth get well that much quicker.

Continue to pray for our service men and women as they serve day and night seven days a week for us.

Clyde Alexander Davidson
(April 28, 1947 – September 10, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Died at 9:25 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, LA. He was a resident of Metairie, LA. Age 62 years. He was a veteran of Viet Nam. Survived by mother, Yvonne S. Porter, Roseland, 2 brothers, Don Davidson, Fischer, TX and Keith Porter, Roseland, sister, Brenda Pierce and her husband, Jack, Amite, Preceded in death by, father, Ivy Thomas Davidson, sister, Sandra Osborn. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Georgia Barnette Week of Pray for Louisiana Missions

Day 3 – Christian Women’s Job Corps, Beauregard Assn.

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

CWJC-pg“Together” is a word that on its own says we are not alone. It is important to be reminded that we are fellow workers, partners, team, serving alongside one another to reach the lost and unchurched for Christ.

Mary Koehn, director of Beauregard CWJC in DeRidder, along with other volunteers, looks forward to seeing change in the lives of those who participate, knowing that change will happen in all lives. Every part of CWJC is geared toward helping a client grow spiritually whether it is through Bible study, job skills instruction in the classroom or one-on-one mentoring. The fact that three women made professions of faith during the past semester helps to keep the volunteers focused on the purpose.

Eva, a graduate of Beauregard CWJC, says that CWJC “is a place of encouragement and everything needed – because it’s backed up by God’s Word.”

Louisiana WMU is involved, providing training expenses through an allocation from the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering. CWJC (and Christian Men’s Job Corps) is a ministry of WMU, so there are “sister-sites” in Louisiana and other states, too. There are three operating sites in Louisiana and other sites in progress.

  • Pray for the spiritual growth of the participants. This is the overall purpose of CWJC.
  • Pray that leaders and volunteers would always be sensitive to how God wants to meet the needs of people.
  • Pray for adequate meeting space and equipment.
  • Pray for the development of a CMJC site, providing life skills and job skills training for men in a Bible-based context.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”  Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN GOD TELLS us in the Bible not to worry, it isn’t a suggestion…

It’s a command.  Worry and/or anxiety is specifically mentioned twenty-five times in the New Testament alone as something we should avoid.

The words used most often for worry and anxiety in the New Testament come from the same Greek word, meridzoe, which means “to be divided, to be pulled in opposite directions, to choke.”  (Perhaps we wear anxiety around our necks after all.)

In the parable of the sower, Jesus tells us: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures.”  These people have accepted the Word of God, Jesus says, but “they do not mature.”  Grasping for spiritual breath, worry-bound, thorny-ground Christians may survive, but they never truly thrive.

The Old English word for worry meant “to gnaw.”  Like a dog with a bone, a worrier chews on his problem all day long.

Why is the Bible so adamant about our avoiding fear and worry?  Because God knows worry short-circuits our relationship with him.  It fixes our eyes on our situation rather than on our Savior.  It works a little like thick London fog–the kind of fog that is legendary.  Why, it wouldn’t be a Sherlock Holmes without fog to obscure the villain and allow him to get away.  “Thick as pea soup,” Londoners describe it.  “Can’t see your hand in front of your face,” they say.  Joanna Weaver

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25

I thought we might all need that reminder today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”

~Psalm 66:19~

Pray for Elizabeth Hughes Cooper as she has more surgery tomorrow to continue her recovery from her baseball injury received last summer.

Pray for Mason Carter as he has sinus surgery again on Friday.

Pray for Frances Gay as she still faces shoulder surgery.

Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering Week of Prayer

State Goal: $1,650,000

FBC, Kentwood Goal: $8,000

Day 1 – Main Street Mission, Pineville

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

MainStreetMission-pgPaul uses the word “we” inclusively, bringing every believer into the picture. He addresses all believers with a heart for making a difference. Believers have the responsibility to be on mission to spread God’s Good News of salvation and eternal life to the lost and unchurched in Louisiana.

At 3:00 on a hot July Thursday, the last thing a mission pastor wants to hear is the “clank, clank, clank,” of an air conditioner fan as it slowly quits turning or to discover a ceiling leak after an extremely bad thunderstorm. He whispers a prayer plea – “Who do I call now, Lord?”

We Louisiana Baptists meet this type of need through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering. Ask Herb Cady of Pineville’s Main Street Mission. An emergency grant, matched by funds from the sponsoring church, First Baptist, Pineville and North Rapides Baptist Association helped replace their leaking roof two summers ago.

This is only one of the many mission churches to receive emergency assistance. When you pray today, bringing Herb Cady’s prayer requests to the throne of the One who knows our every need, pray that we will recognize the importance of faithful giving to meet emergencies.

  • Thank God for the fact that emergency needs and equipment needs can be and are met.
  • Pray that children and their families will hear the Gospel and respond to God’s offer of salvation as Herb Cady and others work with them.
  • Pray that volunteers will hear and respond to God calling them and answer as Isaiah did, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).

Day 2 – Christ’s Community Church, Denham Springs

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

ChristsCommunity-pgA laborer is a skilled worker, one who has learned and is perfecting a particular skill for a specific purpose. Paul’s farming analogy refers to skilled laborers, persons who know their role in the process and who understand the importance of that role in meeting the goal.

Church planters Willis and Shannon Easley at Christ’s Community Church in Denham Springs know their role in the process and the importance of this church plant, as does partner church, Judson Baptist Church in Walker and its pastor, Merlin McCon.

Christ’s Community is not a new church plant and has experienced several moves as it has grown. In June 2009, it moved again, this time to a vacant church building near property that already has been purchased by a grant from the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.

Helping families to relocate and settle gives this church an opportunity to share Christ while meeting needs. Creative, unique ministries are as important as traditional methods like Backyard Bible Clubs, VBS, Bible study, seasonal events and sports camp. The constant encouragement, support and involvement of the partnering church and LBC Missions and Ministry helps the pastor to be focused on reaching lost and unchurched families for Christ.

  • Thank God for property purchased with assistance from the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.
  • Pray that churches, healthy and hurting alike, will become so Kingdom-focused that they will help build the Kingdom of God by sponsoring a mission.
  • Pray that church planters, like Willis and Shannon Easley,will not lose sight of reaching the lost wherever they are.


Have a great day and a great week.

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Ora Lee Wilson requests prayer for her daugher-in-law, Trisha Wilson.  Trisha has been having joint problems since her return from the mission trip.  She has been to several specialists, but no diagnosis.  Trisha is having problems getting around and caring for her family.  Please keep the Wilsons in your prayers.

Colton Frazier

Sunday, September 13, 2009 11:00 AM, CDT

Hello everyone.  Had some computer problems, but back running again.  Colton had a progressive day yesterday.  He sat up in the chair twice, and stood up for a second, of course with all our help, but hey thats another baby step up the latter.  He really moved around in his bed a lot.  His Temperture has been normal so far this morning, hopefully it will stay that way.  He is resting good now.   Will update again later.

Sunday Morning Addition

Debbie Crawford called to request prayer for sixteen year old Cassie Cole of Brookhaven.  She was seriously injured in an accident Thursday night.  Your prayers will be appreciated by the family and friends.

I failed to mention five coaches from Inedpendence High School were involved in an accident early Saturday morning as they returned from a football game in north Louisiana.  The accident happened near Brookhaven.  Three of the five are still hospitalized.  Please pray as they recover from the cuts and broken bones.  Thankfully, they will all recover.    You can find articles in the area newspapers and news sites to keep you updated.

Sunday

“Let God transform you into a new person

by changing the way you think.”

~Romans 12:2 NLT~

Week of Prayer for State (Louisiana) Missions – Sept. 13-20

Day 1 – Main Street Mission, Pineville

“…for we are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

MainStreetMission-pgPaul uses the word “we” inclusively, bringing every believer into the picture. He addresses all believers with a heart for making a difference. Believers have the responsibility to be on mission to spread God’s Good News of salvation and eternal life to the lost and unchurched in Louisiana.

At 3:00 on a hot July Thursday, the last thing a mission pastor wants to hear is the “clank, clank, clank,” of an air conditioner fan as it slowly quits turning or to discover a ceiling leak after an extremely bad thunderstorm. He whispers a prayer plea – “Who do I call now, Lord?”

We Louisiana Baptists meet this type of need through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering. Ask Herb Cady of Pineville’s Main Street Mission. An emergency grant, matched by funds from the sponsoring church, First Baptist, Pineville and North Rapides Baptist Association helped replace their leaking roof two summers ago.

This is only one of the many mission churches to receive emergency assistance. When you pray today, bringing Herb Cady’s prayer requests to the throne of the One who knows our every need, pray that we will recognize the importance of faithful giving to meet emergencies.

  • Thank God for the fact that emergency needs and equipment needs can be and are met.
  • Pray that children and their families will hear the Gospel and respond to God’s offer of salvation as Herb Cady and others work with them.
  • Pray that volunteers will hear and respond to God calling them and answer as Isaiah did, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).

Adrianna Cavanaugh

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

Please continue to pray for Clarence Johnston and his family. Clarence was unable to receive the lung transplant the other night due to the fact the lungs were filled with puemonia. Continue to pray for a donor or some type of treatment will come available for him. This is a very difficult time for his family.

Laura DeBeblanc

Baptist Press

September 11, 2009

WASHINGTON–Rep.: Plan would lead to abortion increase. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31239

CAIRO–During Ramadan, Egypt arrests 155. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31240

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Convictions overturned for jailed Mexican Christians. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31241

LOUISIANA–9/11 REVISITED (First-Person): Just another day …. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31242

ILLINOIS–9/11 REVISITED (First-Person): A thought experiment. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31243

TEXAS–WEDGWOOD REMEMBERED: Shootings, 10 years ago, gripped pastor’s grief, theology. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31244

TEXAS–WEDGWOOD REMEMBERED: SWBTS remembers victims. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31245

TEXAS–WEDGWOOD REMEMBERED: Shooting killed 7. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31246

GEORGIA–NAMB staff goes to the mission field. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31247

Isabelle “Tizzi” Scarle Eckholdt
(August 15, 1944 – September 10, 2009)

Died on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at Acadian Medical Center in Eunice, LA. She was a native of Amite, LA and a resident of Eunice, LA. Age 65 years. She was a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Monday. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. She is survived by son, Dr. Scott Eckholdt and his wife, Deborah, Eunice; 2 granddaughters, Ashton and Madison Eckholdt; 2 brothers, G. M. “Porgy” Scarle, III, Fluker and Marshall “Mike” Scarle, Mandeville. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Milford Scarle, II and Isabelle Bethune Kent Scarle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Louisiana Chapter, 4613 Fairfield St., Metairie, LA 70006  LINK.

Dora Nell Martin Cannon
(July 28, 1933 – September 11, 2009)

Dora Nell Martin  Cannon

Mrs. Dora Nell Martin Cannon a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister was born July 28, 1933 and passed away at 6:15 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 76, a native of Walthall County, MS and a resident of the Mt. Nebo Community.

Mrs. Nell is survived by her husband, Earl K. Cannon, Mt. Nebo; 3 sons, Terry Cannon and wife, Pam, Ponchatoula; Randy Cannon and wife, Wanda, Amite; Marty Cannon, Mt. Nebo; a sister, Patricia Kinsella, Covington; a brother, Arnold Martin, Franklinton; 5 grandchildren, Kyra McDaniel and husband Chris, Mt. Nebo, Alissa Cannon, Mt. Nebo; Whitney Cannon, Wilmer; Justin Cannon and wife, Meshelle, Amite; Jennifer Richmond, Amite; 8 great-grandchildren, Kallin McDaniel, Kayden McDaniel, Raven Cannon, Devin Conti, Olivia Wascom, Gabrianna Cannon, Abbrianna Cannon, and Donovan Meyn.

Preceded in death by her parents, Clydie & Bertie Martin; a grandson, Ryan Cannon; a brother, J C Martin and a sister, Melva Martin Sandifer.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the funeral home Chapel at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Larry Blades officiating. Interment in the Dees Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Justin Cannon, Chris McDaniel, Randy Cannon, Terry K. Cannon, Reed Dees & Joe Wayne Sandifer.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Express Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.
PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE?

The story is told of a Russian named Ivanovich who visited the Moscow zoo for the first time.  To his amazement, he found a little lamb sharing the cage with a big fierce lion.

Ivanovich expressed surprise to his guide.  The guide smiled and said, “That is peaceful coexistence.”

When Ivanovich shook his head in a doubtful way, the guide explained, “Of course, we have to put in a fresh lamb every morning.”

As much as we should strive for peace, there are some things which simply cannot coexist peacefully — truth and error, righteousness and ungodliness, morality and immorality.  If we try to combine two such things in our lives, they will only coexist “peacefully” only if one gobbles up the other.  That’s why James was so forceful in his warning:

“You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?  Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4, NASB)

This verse frightens me more than just about any verse in the entire Bible, because I see the influence that “the world” has on me and on Christians around me.  We have just as much interest in accumulating “things” as the world does.  We often don’t do a better job of taking care of those in need than the world does.  We worry just as much as the world does.  We value the same things as the world does.  We imitate the world to such an extent that if you were to go into an average workplace and ask the boss, “Which of these men and women working for you are Christians?”, he wouldn’t be able to identify us.

Let us beware lest we make the mistake of thinking that our association with and imitation of “the world” doesn’t affect our relationship with God.  Some things can’t live in peaceful coexistence, and “whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God”!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men.”

~Colossians 3:23 NIV~

Colton Frazier

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coltonfrazier

Adrianna Cavanagh

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10
Mike Benson, Editor
I HAVE A vivid recollection of that day…

My wife came in the room, turned on the TV set and then spoke in shaken tones.  She said, “They’ve flown a jet-liner into one of the World Trade Center towers in New York…”  For the next several hours I sat transfixed before the television and watched in horror as the events of 911 unfolded.

Exactly eight years after that dreadful day, many Americans, like myself, look back on September 11 with intense emotion.  We recall those gaping wounds in the sides of the towers.  We remember those ill-fated flights and how they were intentionally slammed into the very icons of our nation.  We remember those those thick plumes of noxious smoke as the bellowed out of the top of those lofty skyscrapers and into our collective conscience.  We remember our own anxiety and ponder what must have raced through the hearts of fellow-citizens as they contemplated the end of their earthly existence and the brevity of human life.  We remember the internal shock of watching the first, and then the second tower plummet to the ground.  We remember those feelings of helplessness and despair as lower Manhattan was engulfed in ash and debris.

But may I suggest, dear reader, that there is a far more terrible tragedy that warrents our joint remembrance.  Every first day of the week (Acts 20:7), we need to call to memory (1 Cor. 11:23-26) those horrific events which transpired nearly 2,000 years ago:
We need to remember the murderous plot against the innocent Son (Mt. 26:3-4; Heb. 4:15; 7:26).  We need to remember the Lord’s internal struggle as He pondered His impending death (Mt. 26:37-39).  We need to remember His betrayal at the hands of one of His own disciples (Mt. 26:47-50).  We need to remember the ill-informed attempt to thwart His crucifixion (Mt. 26:51-54).  We need to remember the disciples’ cowardice and how they fled for their lives when He needed them the most (Mt. 26:56).  We need to remember the howls of the angry mob as they shouted, “Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!” (Mk. 15:13-14).  We need to remember the incredible injustice of both the Jewish and Roman courts (Mt. 26:57ff).  We need to remember Pilate’s timidity before that blood-thirsty crowd (Mt. 27:24-26; Lk. 23:13-25).  We need to remember the brutal flogging (i.e., “little death”) at the hands of the Roman lictors (Jn. 19:1).  We need to remember Peter’s lying about his association with Jesus (Mt. 26:69-75).  We need to remember the slanderous mockery of the soldiers, priests, and thieves (Mt. 27:27ff; 39-44).  We need to remember the Lord’s humiliation as He was stripped of His clothing and numbered with lawless, ungodly men (Isa. 53:12; Mt. 27:28; Heb. 12:2).  We need to remember that ruthless blow to His head (Mt. 27:30).  We need to remember the heavy burden of the cross that was thrust upon His weary shoulders (Mt. 27:32).  We need to remember those cruel nails that pierced His hands and feet and how that He was suspended between holy God and sinful man (Jn. 3:14; 12:34).  We need to remember the bitter  taste of sour wine mingled with gall (Mt. 27:34).  We need to remember His desperate cry to His own Father (Mt. 27:46) and how that heaven itself turned away from His mangled form.  We need to remember the frightful earthquate that shook the earth the moment the Savior died (Mt. 27:54).  Perhaps most importantly, we need to remember that our own sins made this barbaric occasion necessary (1 Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53).

“Lest I forget Gethsemane, lest I forget Thine agony, lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary.”

“…Do this in remembrance of Me…” 1 Cor. 11:24, 25
Have a great day preparing for the Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee