and puts them into practice

is like a wise man

who built his house on the rock.”

~Matthew 7:24 NIV~

Mug & Muffin

Ladies and Girls Invited

Saturday, Feb. 11th                  9:30 A.M.

FBC, Amite

Bring a dozen breakfast muffins to share and a mug to use.

New Bible Study

FBC, Kentwood

Detains coming soon

Special Guests sharing in AWANA tonight – Mallory and Madison Hatchel

Richard “Dick” Stamm
(July 27, 1924 – February 2, 2012)

Richard Stamm, 87 years old, passed away on February 2, 2012, due to complications of pneumonia. He resided in Greensburg, LA, for the past five years. Richard “Dick” Stamm was born on July 27, 1924 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and spent his youth in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the Army Air Force in World War II. Afterwards he attended & graduated from optometry college in Chicago, IL. However he pursued a career as an engineer working in the automobile industry, then the space program with Chrysler Corporation and Martin-Marietta. The Apollo space program took him and his family to Bay St. Louis, MS, where he remained until Hurricane Katrina. He and his wife, Nadine, owned “Nadic Arts”, an antique and art gallery for many years. Dick’s zest for life included working on hydroplane race boats in Detroit, rebuilding antique cars, and flying and building radio controlled model airplanes. Dick is survived by his wife, Nadine, residing in Greensburg, his two daughters, Maureen Lok and Penny Rizan, and son, Richard, four grandchildren, Andre, Brandon, Michele and Dana, and one great grandchild, Ethan. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Cornerstone Church of Amite on Monday, February 6, 6:00-8:00p.m. Funeral services at Port Hudson National Cemetery will be private. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Scholarship Fund, ATT: April, 5161 E. Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thought for the Day: Saved from embarrassment

The source (and veracity) of the following story is unknown:

It was July 4, 1954, I Corps Artillery, Korea. The armistice had been signed the summer before. The I Corps Commander, a three star general, had scheduled his baseball team to play the Corps Arty’s team.

It may seem strange, but Corps Arty is much larger than I Corps. I Corps is strictly a tactical headquarters unit, it has very few men assigned or attached to it. Corps Arty, on the other hand, is much larger. At the time, we had perhaps 18 battalions attached, each battalion consisting of from 600 to 800 men. The Corps Arty Commander, a two star general, took his baseball very seriously. He had a full-time team consisting mostly of professional players who were drafted by Uncle Sam.

I Corps was the visiting team. Three men up, three men out. Bottom of the first. Lots of hits and home runs. No outs. I Corps ran out of pitchers. Their catcher, a sergeant, tried his arm at pitching. Score 0-18, still bottom of the first, still no outs.

The sergeant left the mound and approached the Corps Arty Commanding General. He wiped the sweat from his face, stood at attention, saluted, and in a loud voice boomed, “Sir, request permission to call the game on account of snow.”

The general stood up, returned the salute, and in an equally loud voice, “Permission granted.”

I’ve been in similar situations, on the losing side of a terribly lop-sided game. It’s embarrassing and humiliating! What strikes me about this story is the willingness of the general to take an action that would alleviate as much embarrassment as possible to the pitiful losing team.

It seems to me that’s what love does. In the story of Jesus and the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), there is a distinct effort on the part of Jesus to draw attention away from the woman to relieve some of her embarrassment (though he still held her accountable for her actions).

That’s a difficult thing to do, but something that must strive for — to hold our friends accountable for their actions, while seeking to minimize their embarrassment. I’m thankful for friends in my life who have done that for me in the past.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ ” (I Peter 4:8)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

I realize I had my days confused as I posted The Prayer Link last week.  I think I have everything straight now.

This is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”

~Colossians 4:2~

If we are to “continue earnestly in prayer” for some of those we have been praying for, I will remind you of some families to pray for.

Jadon Pailet                                Family of Ian Russ Guzzardo                          Family of Catherine Simmons

Carol Jean Gill                           Family of Roy Russell                                        Family of William Ed. Hatcher

Pauline Strickland                    Family of Lorna Smith                                      Family of Jason McKean

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel       Family of Dorothy Ricks                                   Family of Kelly Dunn Sofge

Earlo LaBauve                           Avis Sullivan                                                         Andy and Betty Taylor

Jill Brister                                  Gail Pittman-McDaniel                                     Family of Tripp Roth

Susan Rimes                            Billy Carl Strickland                                            Velta Morris

Dr. Derry Magee                     Raymond Anthony                                              Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby

KaLeigh Powers                     Jimmy Tolar                                                          Jimmie Shaw Family

These are some of the people for whom we have prayed.  You can pray for these and your own additions.

Jadon Pailet (Late last night)

Please pray for Jadon. We were admitted to childrens today because his blood cultures were positive. We will not know what kind of bacteria it is until tomorrow. The culture may have been contaminated but they don’t think so because he is so sick. We need prayers right now.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Thought for the Day: When everything goes wrong

Here is a list of "Murphy's Laws for Churches" (author unknown):

* Video projectors always work before the class meeting begins.

* The probability of the preacher tripping over the mike cord is greater on "Bring A

Friend" Sunday than any other week.

* The largest Bible Class will show up when the teacher feels his/her worst.

* No matter how many bulletins you print, you'll always need one more.

* A member living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks

will be 15 minutes late.

* The shorter the agenda, the longer the business meeting.

* Saying "Let us pray" or singing "Just As I Am" causes babies to cry.

* When you answer the Bible teacher's question right, nobody remembers; when you

are wrong, nobody forgets.

* The furnace only fails when the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees

below zero. The air conditioner only fails when the outside temperature is 90

degrees or above.

* When the preacher misspeaks in a sermon, at least half of those taking notes

will write the remark down as an important thought from the sermon.

Murphy's Law ("Whatever can go wrong will go wrong") manifests itself in a multitude

of ways in our lives. In fact, there are times when it seems that EVERYTHING is going

wrong. How we react to those situations says a lot about our character.

Do we react by saying, "Everything will turn out all right eventually"? We

may be living in a dream world.

Do we react by saying, "How could God do this to me"? Our bitterness may cause

us to turn away from God.

Or do we react by turning to God, praying for strength, trusting Him to see

us through?

In Acts 4, the apostles were threatened by government officials and forbidden to

preach in the name of Jesus. They prayed, "Now, look on their threats, and grant

to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word...." (Acts 4:29)

Father, there may be those reading this message whose world has come crashing down

around them. May you bless them with strength; make them mindful of just how much

they need your help. May you use the times when things go wrong as opportunities to

manifest your glory in a special way. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Knowing Russ Guzzardo, I don’t think he will mind me sharing his thoughts on Facebook last night, just hours after burying his newborn son.

Just want to thank God for comforting me today. I want to thank him for all the people who have been praying for my family and put there words to action today by attending or participating in the services today. God you are an awesome GOD. Thanks for family and friends, I love you all.

With all the sadness around, especially the last two weeks, let’s remember we serve and awesome God who loves us dearly!

Anna Lee

KaLeigh went for her checkup today and for the pathology report. Praise God the report was negative. No malignancy noted and no precancerous cells. God is so good.
Thanks to all who prayed for her. That really meant alot to her and her family. Never under estimate the power of our WONDERFUL GOD, because He will take care of His children.

David’s great-niece is expected to be about to leave the hospital today, without having surgery.  Thank God Harley was spared from having surgery.

Mrs. Avis Sullivan has been admitted to Hood Memorial to receive antibiotics to fight a stubborn infection.  Pray she gets better quickly.

Mr. Earlo LaBauve will probably begin temporary dialysis tomorrow at North Oaks.  Pray for him and for his family.

Jadon Pailet has been admitted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans today.  Jadon is again running a high temperature.  Keep him and his family in your prayers.

I saw Pat Felker.  She said “Miss” Grace Helen had knee surgery again and is expected to be in the hospital for 4-6 weeks.  B.J. saw the doctor yesterday, but continues to have an infection in the incision on her leg.  Pray that clears up without her having to be hospitalized again.

David’s great niece, Harley, is doing well.  The doctors did not see the need to discuss surgery today.  If she continues to do well, Harley may be able to go home tomorrow.

Mrs. Carol Jean Gill‘s family said she is still about the same.  Keep her name on our lips throughout the day as to petition God to continue to watch over her and her family.

David and I have been to 8 wakes and/or funerals in the past 12 days.  The memorial services have been very memorable.  I’m thankful for each life that touched me and for memorial services that were equally special and touching.  Pray for the many hurting families in our area.  It’s really touching to see hurting families reaching out to other hurting families.  We have some great Christian people in our area!  May that always be true!

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God.”

~Philippians 4:6~

David’s niece Janet A. Melanxon has a teen daughter hospitalized in Baton Rouge.  Pray for Harley to get better soon, so she can continue her school week.

Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland to get stronger and for her children Donna Fay, Firma Kay, and Billy Carl as they help take turns with a sitter to care for her.  The family thanks you for your continued prayers for “Miss” Pauline and for themselves.

Today is the day the Hatchel family were scheduled to return to the Czech Republic.  Due to blood clots in his left calf, doctors and he IMB have put the return trip on hold indefinitely.  Pray for them as they seek God’s leadership during this time.  Also, pray for the doctors who are working with Boyd.

Modern slavery is known as human trafficking.  It is real and exists all over the world.

Slavery is a bigger problem today than it has ever been in human history. It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves around the world–most of them involved in human trafficking. In India alone millions of girls are without hope as their bodies are sold again and again. http://ow.ly/8CXMg Pray for these victims to be set free–physically and spiritually.

Dorothy B. Ricks
(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Please pray for Diane and her family in the coming days.  Caring for “Miss” Dot has been one of her primary activities for a long time.

Thought for the Day: Fighting the Battle Alone

The story is told of an old lady who had moved to the United States from Europe when she was a child, but now she wanted to officially become a citizen of this country. After months of going through all the necessary red tape, she was finally ready to take the required oath.

“Raise your right hand, please.”

She raised her right hand.

“Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all its enemies, domestic or foreign?” was the first question.

The little old lady’s face paled and her voice trembled as she asked in a small voice, “Uhhh . . . all by myself?”

I know the feeling. When I read what the apostle Paul had to say about the great spiritual battle going on, I tremble a bit. Paul said,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

The thoughts of waging such a battle alone is enough to cause even the most stout-hearted to tremble. But we don’t go into battle alone! We go forth as a part of the army of God, led by the Son of God in all his glory, and side by side with every brother and sister in Christ on the face of this earth. The battle is still a difficult one. There will be many casualties along the way. But, thank God, we do not fight it alone!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Anna Lee

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not in despair;

persecuted, but not abandoned;

struck down, but not destroyed.”

~2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV~

Pray for Andy Taylor as he has surgery this morning in Hattisburg at 10:30.  Pray for peace, rest, good results, and a great spirit.  God has surely used Andy as a testimony to us especially during the last months.

Mrs. Lorna Smith‘s elbow surgery went well yesterday.  She’s at home now.

Debbie Luce is recovering from her back surgery and hoping to be free of her back brace soon.

Pray for Paul Howell of Amite.  His health has declined lately.

Mrs. Mickey Cade is recovering from knee surgery and complications, but was able to get to the funeral home to support extended family yesterday.

Pray for Taylor Breeland as she goes through challenging times.  Pray for her family as they “travel this journey” with her.

Many of you have asked about Boyd and me.

• I’m doing very well, just waiting until I can have a MRI in three more months.
• Boyd Hatchel  has no more information about his blood clots.  I’ll give you a report when he goes back to that doctor.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk on

God not only walks with us through hard times…

…he turns them into stepping stones that take us

places we never could have gone without them.

Holley

God is good all the time.  All the time, God is good!

Anna Lee

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?”

~Psalm 27:1, ESV~

Pray for Jill Brister as she has laser back surgery in Philadelphia today.  Pray for the family, some still here and some there with Jill.

Pray for Susan Rimes as she goes back to the doctor today.  Pray she will soon be able to put all this behind her.

Visitation and funeral for Roy Russell at McKneely Funeral Home this morning

Jadon Pailet – Jadon’s Story: Two weeks

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

Not only is Jadon’s progress so amazing, but so is the number of people praying for him and the deep spiritual lessons learned by the humbled family.

DR (Disaster Relief) teams deploy after Ala., Ark. tornadoes

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37028

Thought for the Day: A morning prayer

The following prayer came to me author unknown:

Dear God,

So far today,
I've done all right.
I haven't gossiped.
I haven't lost my temper.
I haven't lied or cheated.
I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or overindulgent.

I'm very thankful for that.

But in a few minutes, Lord,
I'm going to get out of bed;
and from then on, I'm probably
going to need a lot more help.

In Jesus' name, Amen

I can relate to that, can't you? Perhaps you've made some resolutions to change some things in your life. And maybe it's been fairly easy so far, but from now on you're going to need a lot more help.

If so, continue with this prayer of David:

"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity....My eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; in You I take refuge." (Psalm 140:3-4a,8a)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ

Think about that for a while!

Anna Lee

A resident of Roseland, he died at 11:27 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2012 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born August 19, 1955 in Amite and was 56 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Juanita Bowman Russell Miller, Amite; 3 sisters, Fairba Cade and her husband, Raymond, Osyka, MS, Nancy Forbes and her husband, Bobby, St. Rose and Julie Kathy Russell, Osyka, MS; brother, Lloyd Russell, Amite; 2 step-brothers, J. C. Miller and his wife, Debbie, Kentwood and Wendell Miller and his wife, Diane, Hillsdale; 3 nieces, Laura Ricuard, Celeste Cade and Christie Quin and her husband, Ray; 2 great-nieces and 3 great-nephews. Preceded in death by his father, Roy V. Russell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Services conducted by Dr. Joe Baugh and Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Gideons International or the American Heart Association. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

~Colossians 3:16 NLT~

The family will make arrangements for Roy Russell this morning.  They hope to have the wake tonight with the funeral tomorrow.  I’ll post the arrangements later.  Please be in prayer for the family, especially Roy’s mother, today.

Frist Person:  How will you be remembered?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=37019

KneEmail

SOME TIME AGO National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose… 

The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide.  Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken.  That ensures defeat.  The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. 

Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually.  The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight.  Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.  

Spiritual battles await us.  Satan will choose a season to attack.  Will we be victorious, or will we fall?  Much depends on what we do now–before the wars begin.  Remember the bull-moose principle: enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they’re needed.  Bruce Howell

“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;

I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”  

Job 23:12

“Write” something positive that you can be proud of for your book today!  

Anna Lee

Jill Brister is on her way to Philadelphia to see about laser back surgery this week.  Please pray for her and for her family.

Roy Russell of Arcola, David’s cousin, passed away this morning.  His mother, most of his siblings, and step-brothers all live in this area.  Faibra R. Cade is one of his sisters.  J.C. Miller is a step-brother.