Month: August 2010

Wednesday

God will meet all your needs

according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:19 (NIV)~

Out Of Orbit

August 4, 2010 — by Joe Stowell

I still find it amazing that we can launch probes into deep space. But think of how wasteful it would be if on the way to Mars our probe got caught in the gravitational pull of a lesser, insignificant object. Beware! That might be happening in our lives.

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He meant for them to begin a journey to passionately pursue Him. Followers of Christ have been launched into a trajectory that is defined by drawing closer and closer to Him. But in the process, we are often distracted and succumb to the gravitational pull of lesser, alluring things. When that happens, we cease our pursuit of Him and go into orbit around stuff that in the end is empty and unsatisfying.

Psalm 63 is the cure for lives stuck in orbit. David pursued God, knowing that He alone could satisfy his inner longings because His “lovingkindness is better than life” (v.3). The joy of God’s presence consumed every moment: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (v.6). David understood that true joy and purpose come not in admiring God from a safe distance, but from chasing hard after Him.

Let’s get back on track and pursue an increasingly closer walk with God!

To walk in fellowship with Christ
And sense His love so deep and true
Brings to the soul its highest joy
As nothing in this world can do. —D. De Haan

The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between.

Striving to live closer each day!

Anna Lee

Thursday Evening

Janet Lee Varnado Grice
(September 25, 1950 – August 2, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, died at 4 p.m. on Monday, August 2, 2010 at her residence. She was born September 25, 1950 in Alexandria and was 59 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Stanley E. Grice, Kentwood; son, Shawn Fredrick Varnado, Hammond; 2 step-daughters, Kelly Grice Winget and her husband, Keith, Loranger and Dena Grice Fout and her husband, Cliff, Loranger; step-son, Darrell Eugene Grice and his wife, Melissa, Kentwood; 10 grandchildren; sister, Lisa Hitchings, Boyce; brother, Dana Varnado and his wife, Cindy, Florida; 2 nephews, Justin Hitchings, Boyce, and Matthew Varnado, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Lila Bell Varnado. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. Howard Varnado & Rev. Michael Shumock. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood.

Tuesday – Obituary

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Sharon-Miles&lc=2591&mid=4336509

Sharon “Sheri” Miles, 63, went to be with the Lord Monday, August 2, 2010 in a local hospital.
A native of Colorado, Sheri had lived in Louisiana since 1972 residing in Sulphur the last fourteen years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in education and taught a number of years in the Sulphur Schools. Sheri was a member of First Baptist Church of Sulphur and faithfully traveled with her husband, J.P. Miles, Director of Missions for the Carey Baptist Association. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years Jonathan P. “J P” Miles, Sr; sons Jonathan P. Miles, Jr and wife Tamara of Atlanta, LA and Brian Scott Miles and wife Jennifer of Marrero, LA; granddaughter Chelsey Miles and grandsons Brock Miles and Connor Miles; brother Michael McCarty of Colorado Springs, Co.
She is preceded in death by her parents Robert H. and Tillie P. Breecher McCarty and brother Steven McCarty.
Her funeral service will be at 10:00 am, Friday, August 6, 2010 in First Baptist Church of Sulphur under direction of Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Dr. David Holder and Rev. Lonnie Gothrup will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 6 until 9 pm. Visitation will continue in the church from 9 am until the start of the service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carey Baptist Association for Grace Ministries, PO Box 1302 Lake Charles, LA 70602 or The Georgia Barnette State Missions Offerings, Louisiana Baptist Convention, PO Box 311, Alexandria, LA
71309.
Be sure to use the link at the top to see a video in Sheri’s memory.

Tuesday – Arrangements

Mrs. Sheri Miles gave and received more hugs than anyone else I can remember.  She touched many lives with her quiet ways and listening ears.

Visitation:  Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home at 2051 Napoleon St.  (337-625-9171)

Funeral:  Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at FBC Sulphur, 401 S. Huntington St., Sulphur, LA (337-527-5231)

In lieu of flowers, Bro. J. P. asked that donations be made to either Grace Ministries (they can send the donations to our office at P. O. Box 1302, Lake Charles, LA 70602) or to the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.

The obituary is not posted yet.  I’ll post it when it becomes available.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Addition

Bro. JP Miles secretary called this morning.  Sheri went home to be with the Lord last night.  She had been on oxygen lately because of lung problems.  She passed away at home suddenly last evening.  Jonathan is there with Bro. JP and Brian is on his way.  She will email the church with arrangements as soon as she knows something.

Thursday is Sheri’s birthday so the funeral will probably not be until Friday.  I will let you know details as soon as I get word.

Lauree

Please be in prayer for Bro. J.P. and his family.  We don’t have to worry about Sheri.  We know where she is!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Love always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Love never fails.”

~ 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 (NIV)~

Robert Frohn is doing better and is now in a regular hospital room at North Oaks.  Continue to pray for him and his family as he “walks the long road” to recovery.

Many of you know Rev. David Cutrer who works with McKneely Funeral Home.  His wife, Rhonda Cutrer, had is hospitalized at North Oaks following surgery.  Pray for her as she recovers.

Rachel Morris Muth is recovering well from her surgery last week.  Pray she continues to improve.

The mission team from FBC, Amite made it safely home.  The mission team from FBC, Kentwood will travel home today.  Thank God for those willing to give of themselves to help others learn about Jesus.

Alfred Henry Fields, III
(March 30, 1972 – August 1, 2010)

Alfred Henry Fields, III was born March 30, 1972 and passed away at 8:40 p.m. at Riverside Medical Center, Franklinton. He was 38, a native of Tokyo, Japan and a resident of Kentwood.

Alfred is survived by his fiancé’, Kim Kimble, Kentwood; mother, Helen S. Williams, Roseland; 4 children, Breanna Fields, Seth Fields, Britany Kimble and Lindsey Kimble all of Kentwood; brother, Patrick Henry Fields and wife Vicky, Roseland; 2 sisters, Kathy H. Tullos and husband, Sammy “Bo”, Amite and Shirley Hammond, Spencer, NY; Kim’s parents, Jimmie and Ellen Lowe, Kentwood.

Preceded in death by his father, Alfred Henry Fields, Jr. and grandparents, Luther & Irma Slade.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, August 6, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. until Religious Services in the funeral home Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Interment in the family cemetery near Wilmer.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W (Exit 46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Mrs. Melba O’Bryant Miller
(August 26, 1919 – July 29, 2010)

Mrs. Melba O’Bryant Miller a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was born August 26, 1919 and passed away at 10:10 p.m., Thursday, July 29, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 90, a native of Warnerton, LA and a resident of Roseland. She loved gardening, cooking and family. She retired from Northlake Support and Services Center where she had a real love for the children at the center.

Mrs. Melba is survived by 2 daughters, Bobbie Miller Coyle, Roseland and Jean Miller Duncan and husband, Donald, Clinton; a son, Robert Russell Miller, Mt. Hermon; 2 grandsons, Keith Wood, St. Francisville, Jason Miller, Mt. Hermon; 7 granddaughters, Tammy Bradley, Zachary, Kathy Wade, Clinton, Jennifer Day, Zachary, Alisa Piar, Chesterton, IN, Johnna Jenkins, Franklinton, Rebekah Falgout, Mt. Hermon and Julie Singley, Mt. Hermon; 19 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elisha and Lela Whittington O’Bryant; 3 sisters, Eltra O. Pierce, Elvita O. Whittington and Bonnie O. Smith.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. until Religious Services at 2:00 p.m in the funeral home Chapel. Interment in the Mt. Pisgah Church Cemetery, Washington Parish, LA.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W (Exit 46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Devotional

http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2010/07/contrast.html

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday Early Afternoon

Gretchen Simpson is doing well following her surgery.  She will soon find out if the healing is doing well enough for the neck brace to be removed.

CaringBridge – Callie Cole

My aunt asks for prayers for Mitch Orr (28), a young husband and father of two, with one more on the way.  Mitch had a heart attact in Austin, TX and is having surgery.  The family will be most appreciative for your prayers.

Ruby Lorraine Laurent Seal
(April 22, 1964 – August 1, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, died at 2:31 a.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at her residence. She was born April 22, 1964 in New Orleans and was 46 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Wallace “Winston” Seal, Kentwood; parents, Joella Lewis Laurent and Melvin J. Laurent; 2 sisters, Barbara Laurent and her husband, Herbert D. Ballew, Round Rock, TX and Hilda Laurent, Bogue Chitto, MS and her fiancé, Charles Smith, Baton Rouge; 2 brothers, Melvin Laurent, III, Round Rock, TX and Paul Laurent, Independence; a niece, Lakin Laurent. She was preceded in death by her brother, Barney Larry Laurent. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 4, 2010. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Corkern Cemetery, Franklinton.

Monday

“Love knows no limit to its endurance,

no end to its trust,

no fading to its hope.

It can really outlast anything.”

~1 Corinthians 13:7 (Phillips)~

Please pray for Carolyn Nettles.  She has been having problems with maintaining her sugar level in an acceptable range.  Pray she gets better soon.

Frances Gay got another good report last week.  Join her in celebrating this lab report and in retiring again from being a school librarian,

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell has been hospitalized in Covington.  Pray for her, her family, and those taking care of her.

Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby got the lab results from her recent surgery.  She has a problem that will require seeing an oncologist this week.  Please pray for her and her family.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough continues to be in Our Lady of the Lake, but hopes to be home soon.  Continue to pray for her.

Mrs. Katherine Sanders is still feeling “under the weather”.  Pray her her and those caring for her.  Some of her days are better than others.  Yesterday was a good day.

The members of FBC, Amite who went to Mexico on the mission trip made it home safely.  Thank God for their willingness to go and for the people them ministered to. May their trip make a heavenly difference for many.

The mission team that included some members of FBC, Kentwood is scheduled to return tomorrow.  Pray for them as they complete their work and return home tomorrow.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson/journal?jid=5885181

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
AUGUST 2, 2010

“Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.” (Psalm 67:5)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Head of Government Foua Toloa of Tokelau (central Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and New Zealand).

Prayer requests from Eddie Cox, director of IMB’s Office of Global Prayer Strategy, to “Today’s Prayer” intercessors:

Today I would like to focus your thoughts and prayers on our numerous statesiding IMB missionaries. They will deeply appreciate your prayers.

Thank God for their commitment to the Lord, faith-filled response to His call on their lives, reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, and determination to do everything possible to reach their people group for Christ.

Please pray for them as they have opportunities to share about their overseas ministries in churches throughout the summer months. Ask God to burden the hearts of Southern Baptists for the unengaged and unreached peoples. May many answer God’s call to go, to pray, and to give.

Intercede for MKs (missionary kids) who are in the States this summer either for stateside assignment or for vacation. Thank God for their faithful ministries overseas. Ask God to richly bless their time with friends and family.

Join in prayer with a portion of IMB’s statesiding missionaries who are seeking a word from the Lord concerning future overseas ministry. Concerns for the care of aging parents, child education issues, personal health matters, etc., have caused them to wonder if God is calling them to remain in the States at this time. Your prayers for clear direction from God would be greatly appreciated.

May God richly bless you as you kneel before Him today.

Most sincerely,
Eddie Cox

Have a great week.  Be very careful in this hot, humid weather.

Anna Lee

Sunday Addition

Petey Harper

I am leaving tomorrow morning to drive my mother to South Carolina. Pete came through the surgery very well, but he must have someone to stay with hm before they will discharge him. The tumor was melanoma and he has two other spots that have shown up that will need to be removed as soon as he is strong enough to go through another surgery. They are on his intestine and on his lung.

Petey’s sister, Kari “Cissy” Wickham, sent this yesterday.  Please pray for Petey, Miss” Maxine, and other family members.  It has not been very long since Mr. Walter Green went to his heavenly home following a long illness.  Pray for “Miss” Maxine as she cares for Petey.  Pray for Cissy as she travels.