And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

~Romans 8:28~

My apologies for being late with this post. My computer suddenly stopped opening tabs early this morning. I thought I had done something wrong, but Jason suggested the internet must have been down. Thankfully, he was correct.

Debbie Bales was hospitalized yesterday and is undergoing some tests to identify her problem. Please pray for her and for her family.

Ashley Miller Hutto had a successful gall bladder surgery yesterday. Pray for her during her recovery.

Donna Fay Miller has several health issues that seem to require periodic hospitalizations. She’s home now. Pray for Donna Fay’s health.

Mr. “Cete” and “Miss” Ruby Dillon are hospitalized, but may not be there very long before going to rehab. Thank God for their improvement from covid.

Pray for all the others who are sick with covid. David and I have both lost a cousin and some friends. Most families have now lost at least one loved one. Pray for families.

Pamela Mae Bunch Sellers

December 15, 1952 – December 29, 2020

Pamela Mae Bunch Sellers, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed into her eternal reward peacefully at her home in Kentwood, Louisiana on December 29, 2020.

Pam was born in Magnolia, Mississippi on December 15, 1952. She was the only child of George H. “Nookie” Bunch, Jr. and Marguerite Newman Bunch.

She was a Majorette in the Kentwood High School Band during her high school years, and retired from both the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, where she was a civil deputy, and the 21st Judicial District Court Judges Chambers in the Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse, where she was the receptionist for many years. She enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren and attending any special events in which they were involved. She was a member of Kentwood First Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George H. Bunch, Jr. and Marguerite Newman Bunch, and a granddaughter, Simone Eva Sellers.

Pam is survived by her husband of 48 years, Wm. David Sellers; her son, Bill Sellers and his wife, Michell; her daughter, Kara Sellers Corkern and her husband, Wesley; and her two granddaughters, Molly Elizabeth Sellers and Camellia Mae Corkern.

Visitation will be held from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G, Kentwood, Louisiana, on Saturday, January 2, 2021, followed by services conducted by Bro. Joey Miller at 11:00AM. Burial at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, Louisiana. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Jimmie J. Van, Jr.

(My cousin)

August 5, 1942 – December 29, 2020

Jimmie J. Van Jr, 78 of McComb, MS, passed from this life to his Heavenly home on December 29, 2020. At the time of his passing, Mr. Van was lovingly surrounded by his children.

Mr. Van was born on August 5, 1942 to Jimmie J. Van Sr. and Elizabeth Wilkinson Van, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his precious granddaughter Delia Catherine Van, daughter of Justin Cord and Diane Lazarus Van.

Survivors are his children, daughter Julie Van Kitchens (Kevin) of Hattiesburg, MS and their four children. Sons, Justin Cord Van (Diane) and Jason Ernest Van all of McComb, MS. Sister, Laurie Van Fesmire (Ike) and brother Jerry Van (Linda) all of McComb, MS. Also, surviving him are a host of cousins and numerus nieces and nephews. Mr. Van was also survived by a long time (40+years) loyal employee and friend, Nancy McCarthy or McComb, MS.

Mr. Van’s title was “Papaw” to grandchildren, Laila Annette (11), Charles “Charlie” Prescott (6) and twins Mary Callihan and Elizabeth “Liz Morgan” Kitchens (3) all of Hattiesburg, MS. His grandchildren brought him so much joy and he was loved dearly by them all.

Mr. Van grew up in Magnolia near Terry’s Creek Baptist Church where he was a member and learned to sing and love Christian music. Throughout his life, he led music at various churches around McComb which included Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, Magnolia Methodist Church and Terry’s Creek Baptist Church. He was also a faithful choir member at Central Baptist Church for many years.

Mr. Van graduated in 1960 from Magnolia High School and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force for four years. Once he returned home, Mr. Van attended Southwest MS Community College and Hinds Junior College where he studied computers. After working with computers for several years, Mr. Van made the decision to start a new business in McComb with his parent’s encouragement. In September 1971, Van opened the doors of a new building in Pike Center Mart, named City Paint & Glass. He was owner/operator for 37 years before retiring. City Paint & Glass today proudly runs under the leadership of Mr. Van’s two sons, Jason Van and Justin Van.

Mr. Van loved the Lord and found joy in serving him wherever he could. He had a lifelong love for global mission work that took him many places around the world. He loved singing and used his voice often for the Lord. He loved working in his yard and helping others with theirs, especially his son in law Kevin. Mr. Van enjoyed going to the movies and watching a good western on TV. He loved to travel and pick up trinkets from his visits to keep as mementoes. He often attended soccer games of his grandchildren and loved watching them play. Mr. Van was a people person to the core and truly loved visiting and chatting with people after his retirement.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Van and family would greatly appreciate donations be made to “Delia’s Dock” in remembrance of his beautiful granddaughter who was born sleeping. Checks can be made out to Becky’s Camp Sunshine Foundation Inc. (In memo please note “Delia’s Dock”) and sent c/o Betsy Murrell PO Box 1704 McComb, MS. 39649.

Read the Bible in 2020 – December 31

Malachi 3:1-4:6
Revelation 22:1-21
Psalm 150:1-6
Proverbs 31:25-31

Read the Bible in 2021

Tomorrow is the official date to begin to read through the Bible again. I got an early start and am enjoying the familiar stories. Reading a translation that is more like reading a modern day book makes it easier than the formality of some other versions. It is very appropriate for this.

Today’s Prayer Focus

Thank God for 2020 despite covid and other issues you may have faced. Thank him for His presence with you daily, all the provisions He supplied, your health, your family, etc. There is much to thank Him for even though we have had a pandemic.
Ask God for guidance in 2021. He is prepared to give it to us. We just need to listen to Him and follow His guidance.

Stay safe this holiday!

Anna Lee