Month: June 2011

Tuesday

“From him the whole body …

grows and builds itself up in love,

as each part does its work.”

~Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)~

 

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

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

Our Georgia granddaughter, Peyton, had a bicycle accident with a mailbox last night.  She broke both bones in her lower forearm.  They are taped for now.  Peyton will get a cast in a week.  Please pray for her.

Today marks six months since I broke the top of my right upper arm (at the shoulder).  It is still not 100%, but is much better than it was at first.  I see the doctor again at the end of the month.  Pray for continued improvement.

“Miss” Blanch Wheat’s funeral will be this morning.  Pray for her family.

“Miss” Blanch was four months older than one of my junior high teachers, Miss Evelyn Courtney, who passed away.  They were both 97 years old.

Evelyn Genevieve Courtney
(May 4, 1914 – June 11, 2011)

A lifelong resident of Amite, she died on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Destin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Destin, FL. She was born May 4, 1914 in Amite and was 97 years of age. Miss Evelyn was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Amite and was the last living member of her Amite High School graduating class. After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, she was a teacher for many years at Amite School, Valley Forge Academy and Oak Forest Academy where she left a lasting impression on the students she taught. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews including David Courtney “Buddy” Hanby and his wife, Mae, Dorothy “Dottie” Hanby Hall and Carol Hanby Waller. Preceded in death by parents, Lafayette and Lillie McGinty Courtney; 3 sisters, Lillian Courtney, Margie “Hannah” Courtney Hanby and Stella Courtney Hanby; 4 brothers, Henry, Young, Will and Harvey Courtney. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011 conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Beyond your limits…

Beyond your limits…

Posted: 13 Jun 2011 06:51 AM PDT

A new week unfolds, full of possibilities. Yet I feel questions closing in on me like the walls of a box too.

Do I have what it takes?

Is there enough time?

How will it all work out?

Then a line my pastor spoke a few weeks ago at church drifts into my heart…

Your potential is not limited by you because you have a limitless God living in you.

Suddenly the walls disappear and I’m free, standing in wide open spaces and looking ahead to all God has for me.

Whatever you face this week, it is not too big for Him.

And whatever you think your limitations are, you are not too small for Him to use you.

So go for it, friend!

{I’m cheering you on as you do.}

Have a terrific day!

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

Rev. Ernest Graham and family visited in morning worship yesterday at FBC, Kentwood.  It was great to have a few minutes to visit with them and get updated on everyone.  Pray for them as they continue to serve the Lord at Amite Baptist.

We will have the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin at 6:30 this week.  If you are interested contact me for more information.  We would love to have you join us for supper, fellowship, devotional, and prayer.  Come and be blessed!

The meal for the family of Mrs. Blanch Wheat will be at the church following burial at East Fork.  I think “Miss” Blanch was the oldest member of FBC, Kentwood.

 

Monday

Technical difficulties solved this morning!

“Again, the kingdom of heaven

is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

When he found one priceless pearl,

he went and sold everything he had,

and bought it.”

~Matthew 13:45-46, HCSB~

 

Rain! Thank-you, God, for the little doses of rain you have sent the last few days. The garden and the flowers are so thankful.

Karen P. Lane had her tonsils removed Friday.  Pray for her as she goes through the recovery period.

Roger Pittman is waiting for the last test results.  Pray he begins to feel better.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is home, but still not feeling well.  Keep her on your prayer list.

Curt Martin will be seeing a doctor today to check on swelling of his face.  Pray he improves quickly.

VBS was wonderful from a child’s prospective and from an adult’s prospective!  Many lives were touched by God’s Word.  Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools in other churches this summer.

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts/journal

 

Pray for Stacey Scarle.  Pray this week is better than the last one.

Pray for Ferrie Gene Blackmon as she has surgery this week.

 

 

 

 

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Blanche Stewart Wheat
(January 21, 1914 – June 11, 2011)

Blanche Stewart Wheat passed away Saturday June 11, 2011 at Old Jefferson Community Care Center in Baton Rouge at age 97. She was a resident of Kentwood and graduated from Kentwood High School in 1932. At a young age, she was given the responsibility of raising her four children alone. At that time, she bought land on which she farmed, raised cows, pigs, and chickens to help support herself and her children. She was a hard worker and enjoyed working outside. She was employed by Brown Morris Grocery and Hardware for over 30 years. She taught the four year olds, for many years, at First Baptist Church where she was an active member. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Eirick Frey of Baton Rouge, Gloria Thompson and husband, Charles of Gonzales; one son, Roger Wheat and wife, Joyce of Zachary; and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Savoie Wheat of Prairieville; two sisters, Othell Williams and husband, Joe Williams, Jr. of Kentwood, Erline Allen and husband, Rev. Bill Allen of Denham Springs, and sisters-in-law, Alpha Stewart, Irene Stewart, and Betty Tate. Also, grandchildren Greg Eirick , Sherri Ingram, Tammy Roberts, Teresa Miller, Dereck Wheat, Tiffany Dyason, Misty Whipple and L.J. Bankston; 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, D.W. and Etta Wilson Stewart; her husband, Curtis D. Wheat; a son, Marvin E. Wheat; a grandson, Mark Eirick; sister, Lillian Raborn; brothers, L. D., H.B., and Eldrige Stewart. The family would like to thank Old Jefferson Care Center and Hospice Compassus for their care and help. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G in Kentwood from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday June 13. Visiting will resume at First Baptist Church, 5th St., Kentwood, on Tuesday from 9:00 am until religious service at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Burial at East Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, East Fork Community.

 

More later….

 

Friday

“Encourage anyone who feels left out,

help all who are weak,

and be patient with everyone.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:14 (CEV)~

 

 

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts/journal

 

Please continue to pray for Sherry Day.  She has completed four weeks of radiation and is doing well.

 

Please continue to pray for Stacey Scarle.  Her last treatments were very hard on her.

 

Several people have expressed interest in volunteering with the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief.  If you are interested in volunteering or just want to learn more please check out the following link.

http://www.lbc.org/DisasterRelief/

 

We had another great day of VBS yesterday!  We only have today and the program tonight left.  The memories and the efforts will continue in hearts forever.

 

UNDERSTANDING WHAT GOD SAYS

A Swiss guy, looking for directions, pulls up at a bus stop where two Americans are waiting.

“Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?” he says.  The two Americans just stare at him.

“Excusez-moi, parlez vous Francais?”  The two continue to stare.

“Parlare Italiano?”  No response.

“Hablan ustedes Espanol?”  Still nothing.

The Swiss guy drives off, extremely disgusted.

The first American turns to the second and says, “Y’know, maybe we should learn a foreign language….”

“Why?” says the other, “That fellow knew four languages, and it didn’t do him any good.”

It’s true.  Knowing a lot of languages is no guarantee that you can communicate with someone (though it may increase your chances!).  Even Jesus, the great communicator, found that there were people who couldn’t understand what he was saying.

“Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand….” (Matthew 13:13)

Why?  It wasn’t a problem of languages; it was a problem of the heart.

“For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” (Matthew 13:15)

Father, there are times when I am so slow to understand what you would have me to say and do.  Though you speak clearly to me through your Word, my heart is not always receptive to what you have to say.  Please help me to open my eyes and ears, and to get rid of everything that stands in the way of me hearing your voice.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

Baptist Press: Tim Tebow

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35506

 

 

Be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;

incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.”

~Psalm 17:6~

 

 

There were 188 in attendance at VBS at Kentwood yesterday.  Thanks to parents for entrusting your children to us.  Thanks to our workers for doing a great job in conducting VBS.  I’m looking forward to today.

Todd Lee had double knee replacement yesterday.  All went well.  Pray for him as he goes through physical therapy.

Clint McDaniel’s surgery went well.  Pray for his recovery time.

Momma fell and badly bruised her ribs.  She now has a good egg on her head as well as the one on her hand.  Pray for relief from pain as she moves about.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier has been hospitalized to determine the problem with her back.  They haven’t identified the problem yet.  “Miss” Shirley should be released today with additional testing scheduled.  Pray for her to find relief from her back pain.

Betty Taylor’s mother, Mrs. Ziegler, also fell.  Thankfully, she didn’t break anything, but she’s in pain.  Pray for this pain to be eased.

Mr. Jimmy Tolar asks for prayer due to his health issued.  Please honor his request and pray for him.

Jadon’s Story:

Home but sick again 😦

Posted: 08 Jun 2011 12:08 PM PDT

Sorry I didn’t update when we got home. We made it home Saturday afternoon because the steroid wasn’t working. My seizures are continuing to get worse everyday. We thought it might be the increase in lamictal but I started running fever today. Mommy brought me to the pediatrician and I have adno virus which is causing me to have high fever and red throat. You probably remember that I was in the hospital a little over a month ago with this virus. We are doing our best to stay out the hospital this time. The pediatrician said to keep pushing as much liquids as possible and keep our fingers crossed I don’t have to be admitted again. The good news is I have been drinking some fluids today so I’m not dehydrated at this point. The pediatrician said I probably picked it up at the hospital because that is the number 1 virus in the hospitals right now. So frustrating that I went in the hospital to try and get better and the steroid didn’t work and I got sick because of it. Please pray that I will stay hydrated and feel better soon!!!

Thank God for the rain!
Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Clint McDaniel is now having emergency surgery to remove his appendix.  Please pray for him.

 

Michael A. Kelsey was born October 15, 1945 and passed away at 10:50 p.m., Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 65, a native of Charlotte, NC and a resident of Amite.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bonnie Kuss Kelsey, Amite; 3 sons, Christopher Kelsey and wife Tracie, Cullman, AL, Brennan Kelsey and wife Donna, Amite, and Robin Kelsey, Amite; 6 grandchildren, Kayla Kelsey, Brennan M. Kelsey, Zoe Kelsey, Michael Kelsey, James Kelsey & Keegan Kelsey; mother-in-law, Kathryn Kuss, Kentwood; brother, Chris Kelsey and wife Jill, Woodstock, GA; sister, Pat Keiling and husband, Harry, Alaska.

Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Jeanne Chastain Kelsey; father-in-law, Charles F. Kuss

Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at a later date

 

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements

 

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

 

Wednesday

“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;

You will prepare their heart;

You will cause Your ear to hear.”

~Psalm 10:17~

 

 

There were 180 at VBS yesterday.  Today, Bro. Joey will present the ABC’s of salvation to the children in grades 2-6.  Pray for receptive hearts.

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

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

Thankfully, we received some rain yesterday.  I know the gardens, flowers, and even grass in yards needed the rain.  Thank-you, Lord.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

All of you together are Christ’s body,

and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.

~1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT)~

 

 

Mr. Philip Harrell was able to ger the cast removed from his wrist yesterday.  Pray the arm doesn’t give him any additional trouble.

CaringBridge: Logan Watts

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

 

VBS at FBC, Kentwood will begin day two at 8:30 this morning.  More than a hundred children attended for day one.  Pray God’s blessings on today.  May young lives be changed!

 

 

Baptist Press Stories for Jun. 6 2011

—————————————

Joplin tornado survivor wants to love people more     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35461


Mich. Baptists assist in Alabama relief

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35462


EZELL INTERVIEW: Goal is to make NAMB ‘first choice of church planters everywhere’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35463


VBS 2012 to have aviation theme

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35464


SBC DIGEST: Chitwood elected as Ky. exec; LifeWay items     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35465


Ban the Bible, Pakistani politician says

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35465


Ind. resists fed. warning on P. Parenthood

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35467


FIRST-PERSON: Graduation prayers are great, but don’t stop there     http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35468


BP Ledger, June 6 edition

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35469

 

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

 

Monday Evening

Roger Pittman is recovering from his heart surgery well.  He is having additional tests done.  Keep him on your prayer list.

 

 

URGENT PRAYER
IMB
June 6, 2011

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. It is with gratitude for your faithfulness in prayer and with sadness for the family that we share this update. The East Asian worker for whom we prayed in recent weeks has succumbed to his illness and died. Praise God for the life of this incredible servant who faithfully spread the Good News of Jesus Christ among people who had never heard.  Please ask God to comfort his wife and other family and friends who are grieving. Pray that believers and nonbelievers who reflect on his life will be reminded of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God for the assurance of eternal life to all who believe.

Update distributed April 22, 2011
MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Praise God for bringing healing to the East Asian Peoples worker who has been gravely ill in recent weeks.  His medical condition has been upgraded to stable.  He will return to the U.S. this weekend for further recovery.  Pray for God’s hand to be upon him and his wife as they travel homeward.   As we celebrate Resurrection Day this weekend, we can also thank the Father for answering prayers for the restoration of health to this faithful servant of our Lord.  Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Update distributed March 4, 2011
MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Praise God that the East Asian worker for whom we have prayed in recent days is now conscious and breathing on his own; however, he is still very weak. Even as you had prayer for him in recent days, please continue to uphold him with your prayers. Please remember his wife as well, asking God to give all that she needs during this difficult ordeal.

Original distributed March 1, 2011
MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please pray fervently for a Christian worker among the East Asian peoples who is seriously ill in a location away from his regular place of assignment.  He is on a ventilator and is in critical condition.  These next hours are crucial.  Ask the Great Physician to bring swift and complete healing to His servant and to give peace to him and his wife.

 

Jauanita McCoy Hyde
(April 10, 1923 – June 6, 2011)

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A resident of Chesbrough, she died at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, June 6, 2011 at her home. She was born April 10, 1923 in Amite and was 88 years of age. She was a former resident of Jackson, LA where she retired from East Louisiana State Hospital. Survived by 2 daughters, Barbara Hyde Davidson and her husband, Orin Terry Davidson, Baker and Patricia Hyde Adams and her husband, Glen Dale Adams, Pineville; 2 grandchildren, Shannon Adams and his wife, Amy, Lafayette and Kristin Adams, Tallahassee, FL; 2 great-grandchildren, Garrett and Taylor Adams; 3 step-grandchildren, Loree, Jeremiah and Joshua Davidson; several nieces and nephews including Elizabeth Browning, Chesbrough. Preceded in death by her husband, Chester A. “C.A.” Hyde, Jr.; parents, Jay Quitman McCoy and Bernice Sharkey McCoy; brothers, Levern McCoy and G.A. McCoy; sister, Theresa King. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Leon Dunn. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough.