Author: Anna Lee

Monday

“We often suffer, but we are never crushed.

Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up.

In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again . . . because we know that God raised the Lord Jesus back to life.

And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life.

Then he will bring us into his presence together.”

~2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 14 (CEV)~

 

 

 

Bro. Tom Higginbotham had three by-passes yesterday and is doing well now.  Thank-you for your continued prayers for him.

When I think of Bro. Tom, I think of missions.  He was a big promoter of everything to do with missions.  During the time he was the interim pastor at FBC, Kentwood, he guided the people in supporting missions in a bigger.

It’s time for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions.  With all that is happening in our world now, I cannot think of a better time to support missions.

There is a 1.5% death rate with the Covid – 19 virus.  There is also a 98.5% recovery rate.  Let’s be thankful for the 98.5% and continue to strive to increase that number.

 

 

 

Yesterday’s church services from FBC, Kentwood were both very good.  If you missed them, you can find them on Facebook, Kentwood Baptist Church or on You-tube.  I have been amazed at all the online church services.  You can watch a couple a day for a week and many to choose from.  I think that is great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 6, 2020

  • Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20
  • Luke 11:37-12:7
  • Psalm 78:1-31
  • Proverbs 12:19-20

 

 

Remember, the rule for the day is STAY HOME if at all possible.  If not, WEAR A MASK.

Anna Lee

Palm Sunday

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

~John 1:29~

 

 

 

Today, is Palm Sunday.  Even though our churches are closed today, you’ll have lots of opportunities to worship via television, computer, and phone.  Be sure to make that a part of your service.

FBC, Kentwood will be live-streaming at 10:30 this morning on Facebook (Kentwood First Baptist Church).

 

 

 

Please pray for Dr. Tom Higginbothan.  This is a message I received last night from Janie Wise, the state director for WMU.

Good evening, ladies,

As you pray this evening and in the morning, please pray for Dr. Tom Higginbotham, pastor in Eastern Louisiana Association and for Patti (associational WMU director) and their family.  Bro. Tom had a heart attack this afternoon and will have by-pass surgery tomorrow morning, beginning between 6:00-8:00 am, in Baton Rouge.  It is a lengthy surgery.  The surgeon feels good about the surgery, but, of course, could not go further than that.  Because of COVID-19, Patti had to leave him at ER and sat in the parking lot through the heart cath, having conversations by phone with the doctors afterwards. She is planning to participate in worship, on line, with their church, then return to the parking lot tomorrow afternoon. It will help to keep her mind occupied when she can do so little else.  Dr. Richard Blue, associational missions strategist, is keeping me informed.

Patti and I prayed together on the phone; so as you pray, pray for Patti to trust God in this (she has a strength of faith that has always amazed me). Pray for healing and return to health.  Pray for their daughters and their families.  Pray for the church family at Don Avenue Baptist.  And pray for the doctor; Patti has already assured him that this family has deep trust in God and has already begun praying that God would lead his hands.

Cards can be sent to Bro. Tom and Patti at 32400 Walker North Rd., Walker, LA 70785.

Janie. R. Wise

Women’s Missions & Ministry Strategist

Louisiana Baptists

318.449.4267, 318.448.3402 or 800.622.6549

Cell 318.446.5263

Facebook:  Louisiana Baptist Women

                    Louisiana Baptists Missions and Ministry

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 5

  • Deuteronomy 28:1-68
  • Luke 11:14-36
  • Psalm 77:1-20
  • Proverbs 12:18

 

 

I am a ruler follower.  Today’s rules include:

  • staying at home
  • washing your hands frequently
  • remembering you are trying to stay well
  • patiently waiting for this Coronavirus to run its course
  • praying
  • turning it all over to God

Anna Lee

Saturday

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you.”

~Isaiah 43:2 (TLB)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 4

  • Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26
  • Luke 10:38-11:13
  • Psalm 76:1-12
  • Proverbs 12:15-17

 

 

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

 

 

Today, I want to look on the positive side of the Coronavirus.

  • Lucus, Debra Sitman’s grandson, got “negative” on his test.  Additional testing is continuing.
  • Ryan “Rufus” Williams is leaving North Oaks and going to rehab today
  • David and I are both able to hold our breath for ten seconds this morning.
  • We had three good meals here at home yesterday.
  • His medicine that needs to be approved every three months was approved and picked up.
  • We are removing plants from the greenhouse.
  • Garden bulb plants I have planted the last few years have made for a colorful yard.
  • David is much better!  Every day is a gift!
  • Our oldest grandson was flown to his next base to begin training.
  • We talked with him for 25 minutes after his graduation Thursday.
  • Our other grandchildren are able to complete schoolwork from home.
  • Boyd, Jennie, and Becki can continue their work from home.
  • A lady who works with Jason and who had the virus is better.
  • Jason is very careful at his office and when he gets home.
  • The weather has been beautiful!
  • We can still get news about the virus any time of the day.
  • Our vehicles have gas and are ready to roll.
  • Our phone enables us to connect with friends and family.
  • I have supplies to do OCC work for “shoeboxes” when I choose.
  • Samaritan’s Purse and other organizations are out on the battlefront.
  • Nurse and doctors voluntarily face the disease every shift.
  • Help is available if we need it.
  • The pantry and freezers are full.
  • Traffic is almost nonexistent.
  • Church services are available from numerous churches online.
  • We are thankful to be Americans.
  • God is still on His throne and looking out for all of us.

 

What are you most thankful for today?

Anna Lee

Friday

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

~Mark 16:15~

 

May God continue to open the eyes of Christians, letting them see the mission opportunities that abound at this time.  It is great how much Christian organizations are so beneficial in times such as this.  I love hearing and seeing their work on television and in ptint.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I found this song. but chose not to publish it.  Today, after finding this Scripture, I decided I needed to publish them at the same time.

Heal Our Land

If my people will humble themselves
Humble themselves and pray
If they seek my face and humble themselves
And turn from their wicked ways

I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins
I will hear from heaven and heal their land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

Lord, we vow our knee, we humble ourselves
Humble ourselves and pray
Lord, we seek your face and humble ourselves
And turn from my wicked ways

Father in Your mercy, forgive our sins
Father in Your mercy, come heal our land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land
Hear our cry and turn our nation back to You
Lord, heal our land
Hear us oh, Lord, and heal our land
Forgive our sin and heal our broken land

(Lord, heal our land
Father, heal our land)
Hear our cry and heal our broken land

The chorus was used as an anthem in the hymnal I was using.  I think we can benefit from using the chorus as a prayer.

 

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 3

  • Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19
  • Luke 10:13-37
  • Psalm 75:1-10
  • Proverbs 12:12-14

 

 

 

Yesterday, we missed the graduation of one of our grandsons, but got to watch it on the computer screen.  We even got to hear hiss voice the the first time in weeks.  I’m thankful to technology in so many ways at this time.  Please pray for all the young airmen as they continue their training in various places.

 

 

 

Joseph Anthony Farace, Jr.

Died: April 1, 2020

“The lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” – Psalm 23
Joseph was born in Hammond, Louisiana April 10, 1959. He passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at his residence in Tickfaw, Louisiana. He loved spending time with his grandchildren more than anything, making sure everyone had a full stomach when leaving and drinking coffee with friends. Joseph is survived by children: Brennon Farace (Brianne) of Poplarville, MS; Brooke Farace of Baton Rouge, LA; and Brock Farace of Amite, LA; a brother, Daniel Farace of Tickfaw, LA; a sister, Marilyn Farace Lejuene (Timothy) of Tickfaw, LA; and niece Abby Lejuene; his four grandchildren, Baelyn Farace, Rhett Diamond, Blaine Honore and newest bundle of joy West Farace. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Anthony Farace Sr., and mother Mary Grace Morales Farace, sister, Melissa Farace and nephew Samuel Lejuene. Due to COVID-19 his service and memorial mass will be held at a later date.

 

 

Stay at home.  Use a mask when you have to go anywhere.  Wash your hands frequently.  Let’s help this time get over sooner, rather than later.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday

Ask God to forgive and heal.

Remember that the “prayer of a righteous man

is powerful and effective.”

~James 5:16~

 

 

 

Read the Bible – April 2

  • Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30
  • Luke 9:51-10:12
  • Psalm 74:1-23
  • Proverbs 12:11

 

 

Baptist Press 

http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

Infant Charlotte, who had heart surgery last week, has improved.  Please continue to pray.

 

 

 

Pray for other young parents of babies and those who are expecting the birth of a child soon.

 

 

The Coronavirus has taken over much of our thoughts and concerns.  It seems like a few days ago, I didn’t know anyone who was fighting this disease.  Now, the list is too long.  We all need to be informed and prepared, to stay at home as much as possible, and to pray for the disease to begin to have less and less effect on everyone.

  • Ryan “Rufus” Williams – improving
  • Melissa Stilley – homebound with a light case
  • Levi, a neighbor’s grandchild, is being tested in ICU at Children’s Hospital
  • Fanny Allen – recovered

 

 

One problem that has arisen from the virus is people who have been laid off or having hours cut due to a lack of business during this difficult time. 

 

 

 

Matt Travis is facing heart surgery in a couple of weeks.  Please be in prayer for him.

 

 

 

Charlie Kuss, Rome, GA, has a heart stent.  Pray he feels better and recovers well.

 

 

 

I learned this morning that Joe Farace passed away.  I taught all of his sibling, but not Joe.  Please be in prayer for Joe’s family.

 

 

 

Whether you think you are healthy, possibly exposed, or sick, please stay away from all people.  Stay home unless you absolutely have to be out.  This is not something we want to share.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Wednesday

“Give all your worries and cares to God,

for he cares about you.”

~1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)~

 

 

 

Today marks three weeks David and I have been quarantined.  I never dreamed this would happen to us, but it is better to be safe, than sorry.  We didn’t start with a number of days in mind, just the idea of taking each day as it comes.  This is one of those times when we don’t need/want to see the long-term future.  Continue to pray for all involved in fighting the Coronavirus.

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for Matt Travis.

 

 

 

Smiley Conerly is having some change in treatment.  Pray this is beneficial.  He’s home and thankful to be there.

 

 

 

Ryan “Rufus” Williams, from Spring Creek, seems to be improving.  Please continue to pray for him.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Tonight, at 6 P.M., FBC, Kentwood will broadcast the Wednesday night prayer meeting.  I hope you will be able to join them and pray for them.  Thanks to those who make it possible for us to join with them.

 

 

 

I have a project for those of you who are interested in helping with Operation Christmas Child and who have some old t-shirts at home.  That probably will describe most of us.

These would be great in our “Shoeboxes” this year.  You can make them now and keep them at your home for now.

T-shirt pom-poms – https://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/t-shirt-pom-poms-tutorial

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – April 1

  • Deuteronomy 18:1- 20:20
  • Luke 9:28-50
  • Psalm 73:1-28
  • Proverbs 12:10

 

 

I think you might enjoy this video on the miracles of Jesus.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading and praying.  I hope The Prayer Link is meaningful during this time.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

~Matthew 6:25 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 31

  • Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20
  • Luke 9:7-27
  • Psalm 72:1-20
  • Proverbs 12:8-9

 

 

Song of the Day 

  • “The Doxology”
  • “In Times Like These”
  • “One Day at a Time”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “In His Hands”
  • “Til the Storm Passes By”
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
  • “Near to the Heart of God”
  • “They’ll Know We are Christians (by our love)”
  • “Victory in Jesus”
  • “There’s Something about that Name”
  • “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength”
  • “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus”
    • I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
      Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;
      I would tell you how He changed my life completely,
      He did something that no other friend could do.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

      All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me,
      All my heart was full of misery and woe;
      Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me,
      And He led me in the way I ought to go.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

      Ev’ry day He comes to me with new assurance,
      More and more I understand His words of love;
      But I’ll never know just why He came to save me,
      Till some day I see His blessed face above.

      No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
      There’s no other friend so kind as He;
      No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
      O how much He cared for me.

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lg9c8EhLw4

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

From Ginger Miller Hutto:

In the midst of turbulent times, God sends unspeakable joy!
Welcome JOHN LEVI MCELVEEN!
March 27, 2020. 8:45 am. 7 lbs 11 oz. 21 in long. Our 6th grandchild!

 

 

Buddy Morris has had some issues which led to an adjustment of medication.  Pray this works out for him.

 

 

 

Henry McKenzie has a brother, Marion, who is hospitalized in Hattisburg,  Pray for him and his family,

 

 

 

Dennis Price has been in North Oaks and will get a defibrillator today.  Pray this is helpful to Dennis’ health.

 

 

 

 

Today is the day we were to leave home to travel to our grandson’s military graduation from the Air Force boot camp.  Needless to say, none of the families will be represented.  Graduation will be a hard day for the graduates and their families.  Let’s not focus on ourselves, but on others today.

Today, we can use prayer as a weapon in helping ourselves and others through this virus experience,  Set your clocks to remind you to pray each hour.  Choose one of the requests listed below to be your focus for that hour.  The next hour, choose another one.  Pray.  Take your mind off yourself as you pray for others.  If you have your television on, you can use the commercials as signals to pray.  Find a method to pray regularly throughout this day.

Focus on the needs of others.

  • Pray for the young people like those in this group as they move on to the next step.
  • Pray for students who won’t graduate in May as planned.
  • Pray for couples who postponed weddings.
  • Pray for families who had a death and cannot receive the normal support from others.
  • Pray for students who were not able to get home during this time.
  • Pray for sick people who have no loved ones to sit with them.
  • Pray for people who live alone and who have not heard from anyone in a long time.
  • Pray for people who are sick and unsure about going to the doctor/hospital.
  • Pray for healthcare workers who go in for another day at their worksite.
  • Pray for pastors as they attempt to minister to their “flock” in creative ways.
  • Pray for churches to be a “shining light” in their communities.
  • Pray for grandparents and grandchildren who cannot see each other.
  • Pray for parents who are healthcare workers and who have seen the need to pass their children on to another relative for this time period.
  • Pray for teens and young adults who do not realize the seriousness of the situation.
  • Pray for new parents who are entrusted by God with a baby at this time.
  • Pray for low-wage workers who are called in to work without protective gear.
  • Pray for healthcare workers who have to go into homes where the virus is thriving.
  • Pray for those who do not have adequate food at this time.
  • Pray for those who have spend their money on other things, not necessities.
  • ETC.

 

 

Remember to pray regularly today!

Anna Lee

Monday

The LORD is my strength and my defense ;

he has become my salvation.

~Psalm 118:14~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – March 30

  • Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23
  • Luke 8:40-9:6
  • Psalm 71:1-24
  • Proverbs 12:5-7

 

Today’s song to focus on is “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength”.

The Joy Of The LORD Is My Strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength

He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!

He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!

He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
The joy of the LORD is my strength!

If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
The joy of the LORD is my strength!

10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

 

How many of our children learned this in choir or junior church?  Did they learn it from us or us from them?

Find strength in the Lord!

 

 

Thanks to churches for finding ways to help us stay connected during this time.  There’s a wealth of online services to watch.

 

 

 

Pray for nursing home residents and workers who seem to be sitting targets for the coronavirus.

 

 

 

Pray for healthcare workers who are doing their best to help those who are ill.  I’m amazed and touched by the extent the families of healthcare workers have stepped up to care for children in the family and for workers who are dedicated to caring for patients while someone else takes care of their children.

 

 

 

Pray for truck drivers, daily farmers, police, pastors, store clerks, etc. who must continue their work that benefits the rest of us.

 

 

 

Our days of staying home have been extended to April 30th by President Trump.  We must all stay home to stop the spread of Covid-19!  The sooner everyone follows the rules, the sooner this will be over!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Do not let sin control the way you live;

do not give in to sinful desires . . .

Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.

So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”

~Romans 6:12-13 (NLT)~

 

 

 

In the midst of turbulent times, God sends unspeakable joy!

Welcome JOHN LEVI MCELVEEN!
March 27, 2020. 8:45 am.

7 lbs 11 oz. 21 in long.

Our 6th grandchild! ( Written by Ginger Miller Hutto of Hillsdale)
Katie Hutto McElveen Malcolm McElveen (Parents)

 

 

 

Read the Bible Today – March 29

  • Exodus 8:1-9:35
  • Matthew 19:13-30
  • Psalm 24:1-10
  • Proverbs 6:1-5

 

 

Song of the Day 

  • “The Doxology”
  • “In Times Like These”
  • “One Day at a Time”
  • “Make Me a Blessing”
  • “In His Hands”
  • “Til the Storm Passes By”
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
  • “Near to the Heart of God”
  • “They’ll Know We are Christians (by our love)”
  • “Victory in Jesus”
  • “There’s Something about that Name”

 

 

Please continue to pray for Ryan “Rufus” Willliams from Spring Creek.

 

 

 

So far, most people have remained healthy.  Continue to ““play it safe” and STAY HOME.  Some people seem to be disobeying the orders to do that.  I’m afraid they will be among the sick in a week.  Use the pick-up services available in multiple locations.  Do not allow anyone inside your house, except the home health nurse!  Keep children away from their grandparents, etc.  because they are often carriers of the coronavirus.  Today, this Lord’s Day, more churches will be live-streaming their services.  Be sure to look at two or three.  If you do go out, make it a trip around the community to pray for people as you ride by their homes.  Stay in your car.  Don’t stop anywhere!  Use your phone to check on people.  If you deliver something to a home, leave it on the porch and knock and call.  Then, quickly leave.

 

 

 

Today, the Operation Christmas Child team was scheduled to visit Sunday School classrooms to take suggestions for April purchases.   You will have to be creative to make these purchases without going shopping in person, but I know you can do this.  Happy April Shopping!  Two new rules:

  1. Don’t enter any stores to purchase these.  Use your phone or internet.
  2. Have the items delivered to the church.  They can sit at the church and and be waiting for when this isolation period is over.

 

Operation Christmas Child, April 2020

Nursery

Preschoolers 

 Jump Ropes
Grades 1-5 Marbles
Youth Jump Ropes
College & Career Dominoes
Gateway Socks for Boys
Joy

Friendship Circle

 $1.00 Scissors
New Creations

Renewal

 Hair Brushes
Rebekah  Sewing Kits
Seekers

City Hall

Faithful

 Lip Balm
Staff Highlighters

 

 

Be safe.  Shop from home.  If you need help, call Janice, the church secretary, for assistance.  229-8111. Let’s not slack up on shoeboxes during this time.  Let’s just alter the way we shop.

Anna Lee