I missed you the past week. David and I took a much needed trip to Branson, MO. I planned to “visit” you each day, but there was a problem with the internet in the hotel where we stayed. I also was not feeling my best, but am better now. It is miserable to be “under the weather” and not at home. I apologize for not posting, but the situation was “out of my hands”.

Several of you checked on us or had a relative or friend to contact us. That made us feel good, but it just didn’t help my ability to post. I’m sure I missed you more than you missed me.

We did get to see a number of shows in Branson that were wonderful. We experience the Christmas season with wonderful holiday decorations everywhere around us, watched some video presentations about the origin of Branson and another one, “Where Jesus Walked” that was very good. We also heard some great music and watched people of all ages on the stage. The music was wonderful and certainly helped us to think about the real meaning of Christmas. Today, I will be back on my shedudle and also catching up on some items I want to share.

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray this Christmas season to be a time of healing in hearts that have faced major hurts or changes in the last few weeks and months. If you are one of those people, please know we are praying for you in the coming days of December and all the way to the year 2025.

Read the Bible Every Day (for the previous week)

Monday, 12/8
Daniel 4:1-5:31
Psalm 139:1-6
Proverbs 29:26-27
III John 1-14

Tuesday, 12/9
Daniel 6:1-7:28
Psalm 139:7-12
Proverbs 30:1-2
Jude 1-13

Wednesday 12/10
Daniel 8:1-9:27
Psalm 139:13-18
Proverbs:30:3-4
Jude 14-25

Thursday 12:11
Daniel 10:1-11:45
Psalm 139:19-24
Proverbs 30:5-6
Revelations 1:1-20

Friday:12:12
Daniel 12:1-Hosea 3:5
Psalm 140:1-5
Proverbs 30:7-9
Revelations 2:1-17

Saturday:12:13
Hosea 4:1-7:16
Psalm 140:6-13
Proverbs 30:10-12
Revelation 2:18-3:6

Christmas Cards

I received 205 cards for prisoners in the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

When I get to the church, I will update this total if more cards were turned in while we were traveling. Thank you so much for participating in this mission project of Women on Mission. I know the families touched by the cards will be very appreciative.

Obituary

Charles E. Dunn

February 5, 1945 – December 8, 2024

Charles E. Dunn was born February 5, 1945 to Woodrow W. Dunn and Eula Day Wilson Dunn. He passed away December 8, 2024. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Services officiated by Rev. Joe Day with special music by Eileen Day Sagely. Interment will be in Kedron Cemetery, Amite. Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, M.L. Wilson, Calvin E. Wilson, Richard W. Dunn; sisters, Jeanette Wilson Armato, Evelyn Dunn Wilson Pittman, and Rita Dunn Blades; nephew, Brian Scott Blades; nieces, Judy Armato Lato, Kelly Dunn Sofge, and Rebecca Blades. Left to honor his memory is Leroy Wilson and wife, Margaret Ann; sister, Dianne Dunn Scott and husband, Danny; sister-in-law, Kathy Dunn; many wonderful nieces, nephews, and special cousins; former wife, Linda; step-daughter, Donna; and step-granddaughter, Taylor. Charles was in construction all of his life and he loved to work, to see things come together and just to see the finished project. He had many life threatening health issues the last 2 years. He thanked God for bringing him through. He wanted to live to be 80, but since it is not to be, please remember him on February 5th. He lived a simple life. He didn’t require much for himself, but gave a lot. Many thanks to all the doctors and staff, Dawn his home health nurse, St. Helena Council on Aging and Meals on Wheels. Special thanks and blessings to those who were the hands and feet of Jesus who ministered to him as written in Matthew 25. Pallbearers are nephews, Michael and Gary Armato, Doug and Steve Wilson, Daniel Scott and brother-in-law, Danny Scott.

Lottie Moon Tea

I was able to attend the Women on Mission/WMU Tea at Spring Creek Baptist Church before attending the funeral for my cousin, Fran, last Saturday. Wow, so much has happened since then!

The tea was an opportunity to gather with ladies, sing Christmas carols, pray for those who will be touched by the cards, and for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in 2024.

We also heard from a young lady who will going to a country in Europe in September 2025. She is so excited to have been selected, with her husband, to tell others about Jesus and to be a mentor to those who live there.

I could really relate to her because our daughter and her family were able to do that in June 2000 after she and her husband had already served in different countries as part of the Journeyman Program and served in a Texas church. They also had two young children when they left. Hearing from this young lady made me think back to June, 2000 when they left and to dedicate my prayers in the coming months and years to her and her husband as they serve.

Sunday School

I missed teaching my wonderful ladies last week, but Mrs. Barbara Baugh stepped in and taught the class. I love to hear her teach. My class also had a meeting at Judy Liberto’s class Tuesday. I missed being there with them. I look forward to continuing the study of Exodus tomorrow.

Reading Luke this month.

I hope you were able to continue reading Luke last week. If so, you should be on chapter 11 now. Wherever you are, keep reading. It will be a good addition to the Christmas season in your home and help keep your focus on the real reason we celebrate during this time of the year.

Think of Others

This is a wonderful time of the year to think of family and friends. Make sure you spend some of the remainder of this month thinking of others and spending time with them. You can help “make the holidays special” for them in your own ways. David and I will be trying to do the same.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Anna Lee