Month: April 2013

Friday Evening

This has been a regular week and a most unusual week at the same time.  It’s regular in that sin was apparent and unusual in that it showed its ugly head in the form of bombers and letters containing poison.  It’s regular in that well trained men and women, both paid and volunteers, did what they do best.  They did what they could to protect others.  Sadly, a fertilizer plant caught fire and later exploded.  The loss of life and many injuries have greatly saddened us this week.  The events are not those that happen every day.  We all wish they never did happen.

Since I started  typing this, the second bomber has been found.  I know many people will sleep better tonight in the Boston area.

This afternoon, Baptist Press published an article that is based on something that happened in that area last night.  I heard the third floor resident and owner of the home as he was interviewed today.  The first floor residents I heard about, a church planter and his wife (and dog), lived though a terrible time that caused them to fear for their lives.  The good news is that they did not fear for their future.  They have secured their future in heaven!  Read for yourself – http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=40111  

I think the message is “hope”.  With Jesus, we have hope, even in the face of these difficult situations.  If you don’t have that “hope”, please talk with a minister or Christian friend who can guide you.  You’ll never be disappointed!

 

Friday

The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few.

Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

~Matthew 9:37-38~

Pray for Mr. Kenneth Felker as he gets results of Wednesday’s medical test today.

We had a wonderful time at the cabin last night.  God made his presence know!

Baptist Press – BPNews.net

Devotional – My Utmost for His Higherst – “Beward of the Least Likely Temptation” – http://utmost.org/

Missions – “Our International Mission Trip” – http://www.onmission.com/onmissioncb.aspx?id=8590122851

Thank you for praying today.  Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Thursday Addition

Pray as the investigation continues in Boston.  Pray for the thousands of people who experienced these explosions.  Pray for them to be comforted today and in the coming days.  Pray for those investigating the situation.  Pray for safety of all those working to solve the problem and for other innocent people who may be too close to harm and not realize it.

Pray for the people of West, TX.  The plant explosion took many lives last night.  Pray for the survivors and the families of those who were lost.  Thank God for people who responded quickly and for churches, schools, and other places that are open and available for those without a home.

Thank God for people who share the Gospel during times like this by meeting physical needs as well as spiritual needs.  May many people grow closer to God because of there terrible events.  Good and God and shine through!

Thursday

“We give thanks to You, God;

we give thanks to You, for Your name is near.

People tell about Your wonderful works.”

~Psalm 75:1~

Most of us need to improve our attitude of thankfulness.

Millicent (Millie) has made a marvelous recovery from her condition a couple weeks ago.  She is home!  Her family is so thankful.

Connor Corkern is still home.  Pray for him as he deals with his seizure problem and other issues.

Rafe Cutrer is sporting a special chair.  Thank God he has this chair.  Pray for Rafe, Raymond, and Brandy as they also deal with a family life that involves therapy and other things that will help him.

Continue to pray for Robbie Lynn C. Kirby.  She has a number of health issues.

Pray for her dad, Robert, as he has surgery Monday.

Shelton Day is continuing to improve from his heart surgery.

Devotional – “God called to Him…and he said ‘Here am I'” – http://utmost.org/

Missions – “On Mission” magazine – http://www.onmission.com/

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Third Thursday Meeting – at our cabin tonight at 6:30.  Join us!

God blesses David and me with so many Christian friends, some new to our lives and some who have been our friends for many years.  We value each one.  Thank you for being a part of our lives,

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Again, I assure you:

If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for,

it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.”

~Matthew 18:19~

Thank God for the life of George Beverly Shea.  He gave his all to God and to Billy Graham for more than 60 years.  He is one of my heroes, but he didn’t live his life to be a hero, but a servant to God.  He was greatly talented and extremely humble.  Instead of singing with a crusade choir behind him, he now has a choir of angels!  I’m so thankful for the life he lived and the sacrifices he and his family made so he could serve out Lord!

I heard some good news last night.  Reesa B. DeLee is making some “baby steps” of improvement.  Her mother said Reesa’s body may soon be “waking up” in areas that have been asleep since surgery last November.  Let’s continue to pray for Reesa.

Mr. Philip Harrell has an issue with his eye that he will have checked on.  “Miss” Annie Belle has breathing issues.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is about the same.  Keep praying for her.

Continue to pray for Beverly “Doodle” W. Watson and her family.

Another mother of former students is hospitalized and not doing well.  Pray for the Seymour family, formerly of Amite.

Continue to pray for all those affected by the bombing in Boston.  Pray lives will be drawn closed to God because of this tragedy!

Baptist Press –  http://www.bpnews.net/

Hymn of the Day – “I’d Rather Have Jesus” as sung by George Beverly Shea in 1987.  This is one of my favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cxH8s4SvEc

Devotional – “All or Nothing” – http://utmost.org/

Missions – Volunteer Opportunities – http://meettheneed.org/explore/namb.php?orgtemp=3003

Revival followed by fellowship – Tonight at New Zion at 6:30

First Hispanic Service at FBC – Tonight at FBC at 5:30  (If you know of any Hispanics who have not been invited, please call the church at 229-8111 and leave contact information)

Have a great day.  Count your blessings today!  Don’t forget to come to the cabin tomorrow at 6:30.  I think you will be blessed.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a~

Pray for Kathy Jo Thompson as she sees an ENT doctor.  She has been having headaches, ear problems, dizziness, etc,  Pray this is something that can be easily taken care of.  Thank God for this young woman who has already been through so much.

Nancy Carruth got a good report yesterday.  Thank God for this.

The first thing he said when he walked in the door was you are going to be fine. She does have a fatty liver and her lipids were slightly elevated as was her AMA. She will go back in two weeks for a liver biopsy to determine if and what her treatment will be. All other blood work fine. She does not have cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. Praise God!  (JoEllen Carruth)
This is the week of the monthly meeting at the cabin – the “third Thursday”.  We hope to see you here at 6:30.  Call if you need more information or directions.
North American Mission Board – ” Adult Mission Opportunities” – http://www.namb.net/adult-missionary-opportunities/
Devotional – My Utmost for His Highest – “Can You Come Down From the Mountain?” – http://utmost.org/
Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/
May you be used by God today!
Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Pray for Becky Ricks Gabriel who has been hospitalized at North Oaks for about a week and is still very ill.  Her daughter, who is a former student, asked that we pray for Becky, but accepts God’s will whatever it may be.

A former student, John Ponder, 49, passed away today.  I also played for his wedding.  May his family be comforted during this difficult time.

          John L. Ponder, Jr

(October 22, 1963 – April 15, 2013)

A resident of Amite, he died at 9:25 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2013 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. He was born October 22, 1963 in Baton Rouge and was 49 years of age. He was an avid scuba and cave diver who loved adventures and the outdoors. He was a high school graduate of Amite High School and later attended Louisiana State University and Georgia State University where he majored in computer science and chemistry. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Amite. He is survived by parents, Carolyn Ray and Lynn Ponder; son, John Lynn Ponder, III, and his wife, Destiny; daughter, Jennifer Ponder and her fiance, Greg Kern; grandchildren, Kaidence, Waylon and Aubree Ponder and Ruby Kern; sisters, Donna Ponder and Deborah Stevens; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ray and Cecilia Spansel Ponder and Leslie Barbee Ponder, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until memorial services at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2013 .Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster.

Pray for those injured at the Boston Marathon today, the families of those who were killed, and for the person who planted those bombs.  May he/she come to realize what they have done, the long-time suffering they have caused, and that the only hope for their forgiveness can be found in Jesus.

 

Monday

“What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

~Matthew 7:9-11~

Pray for the two children: Millicent, who had had more problems, and Eli, who is very ill.

A special request

Will you please add this prayer to your prayer chain and pray for it until the middle of May? Thank you so much!

Please pray for my wive’s surgeries in the next couple of weeks that they will go well and she will have a safe recovery. Please also pray that we will be able to get pregnant during this time. We desperately want to have a child and raise him or her up in the church so please ask that God will bless us with this miracle! Thank you so much and God bless!

Kyle and Ashley Taylor

North American Missions – “Whatever it Takes” – http://www.anniearmstrong.com/

My Utmost for His Highest – “The Failure To Pay Close Attention” – http://utmost.org/

Hymn of the Day – “His Eye is on the Sparrow” – http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/hymnoftheday/message/107

I felt compelled to remind you of a hymn that encourages me.  I trust it will encourage you too.

Revival at New Zion Baptist Church – Bro. Donnie Easley  and Bro. Chris Wales – Services at 6:30 through Wednesday

Thanks for praying and for being an encouragement to me.

Anna Lee