Thursday

We see, then,

that they were not able to enter the land,

because they did not believe.

Hebrews 3:19 (TEV)

Two updates on Justin Kennedy

• Today Edna posted on facebook that she and her husband received word
  that Justin was released from the hospital, and returned to his unit,
  then later they got a conflicting report that he was still in the
  hospital.  They don’t know if he is in a hospital or not.  Justin has
  not been able to call home yet.  I tried to call Edna on the phone,
  but she was unable to answer.  I’m sure that she is getting many
  calls, but only wants to talk to Justin at this point.  I can’t
  imagine how difficult this is for her and her husband, Barry!  They
  are sweet Christians; prayer warriors!  Edna is an RN, and Barry is
  also in the medical field.  Justin has an older brother, and a twin
  brother.

  Thanks for your prayers!
  Julie

• Justin was able to call his parents. He and the others in the vehicle are okay! Thanks for praying for them!

Mrs. Kathryn Sanders will be moved to an extended care facility at some point.  She appreciates your prayers as does her family.

I saw the specialist again about my arm.  The bone is still in the proper position.  I will begin physical therapy tomorrow.  A decision about surgery will be made when the bone is healed.

Wanda Lanier Newman, 83 years old of Hammond, died Tuesday, January 4, 2011, in Richard Murphy Hospice House.

She was born on October 7, 1927, in Amite, daughter of the late Jack Lanier and the late Lena White Lanier.

Mrs. Newman was a homemaker and a long time teacher. She taught at Mandeville High, Loranger High, Hammond High, and retired from Ponchatoula High School. Mrs. Newman was a faithful member at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hammond where she taught the Ruth Sunday School Class and vacation bible school. She was beloved by many and will be missed by all her family and friends.

Surviving are her son, Edwin Newman Jr.; daughter, Joanna Newman; 7 brothers and sisters, Jackie Reed, Therold Lanier, Jon Lanier, David Lanier, Rachel Mixon, Martha Lanier, and Mary Adams.

She is preceded in death by husband, Edwin Marion Newman Sr.; brother, Harry Lanier; sister, Elaine Floyd; and stepmother, Belle Lanier.

Friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, Friday, January 7, 2011, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visitation will continue Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 8:00 AM until the funeral service at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Magnolia, Mississippi.

Contributions may be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, 16013 Halbert Road, Hammond, LA 70403.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

AMONG OTHER THINGS, actress Elizabeth Taylor is known for her love of diamond jewelry…

On one occasion, she was attending a social gathering where one of the guests noticed the large diamond that she was wearing.  “That’s a bit vulgar,” the woman remarked.  Unabashed, Taylor offered to let the woman try the ring on.  As the woman gazed at the ring on her own finger, Taylor commented, “There, it’s not so vulgar now, is it?”

Sometimes, when the ring is on our finger, it doesn’t seem as gaudy as when it is on someone’s else’s finger.  For example, when other people buy a nice house or a new car, they are covetous.  However, when we do it, it is simply good stewardship.  In like manner, when other people’s children misbehave, they are brats.  However, when our own children misbehave, they are simply high-strung or energetic.  The faults of others often appear big, while our own appear small or not at all.

We need to make sure that when we judge, we are fair.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck our of your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your own eye” (Matthew 7.1-5).  Although many people interpret Jesus’ words as condemning all judgment, that was not at all what He was doing.  He was rather condemning unrighteous and unmerciful judgment.  I know this because on another occasion He commanded men to judge (John 7.24).  He simply wanted men to judge righteously (John 7.24) and mercifully (James 2.13).

Let’s make sure that we judge faults in our own lives with the same standard that we judge faults in the lives of others.  Sin is sin whether it is in the lives of others are in our own life.  It is wrong whether it is in the life of a foe or friend, family or stranger.  Wade Webster, Vulgar,The Searcher, 11.14.10, 1

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.

Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

~James 2.13~

Don’t forget to plan to attend Mug ‘n’ Muffin Saturday morning at 10:00.  You’ll be blessed.

Anna Lee