Author: Anna Lee

Wednesday

 

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, . . .

being confident of this very thing,

that He who has begun a good work in you

will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

~Philippians 1:3-6~

 

 

Frances Gay requests prayer for Lyndy Lewis Kimbrel who is in North Oaks with pneumonia.  She’s in a step-down unit since her lung collapsed.  Additional tests have been done.  She is Becky Gill’s mother and Diane Strickland and Pam Lewis’  sister.  Lyndy is not up to company at this time, but your prayers are very much needed.

Mr. Kenneth Felker said both “Miss” Grace Helen and B.J. are improving at this time.  Please remember them in your prayers.

Lots of people seem to have colds, coughs, sinus problems, headaches, etc. now.  I suppose it might be partially blamed on the many changes in the weather lately.  Pray for everyone to be careful about spreading/sharing and to get past the days of misery these problems present.

Thought for the Day: Prayers of Intercession

I heard recently about a mother and her five-year-old son who were headed to McDonald’s one day when they passed a car accident. Usually when they would see something terrible like that, they would say a prayer for those who might be hurt, so the mother pointed to the cars and said to her son, “We should pray.”

From the back seat, she heard his earnest request, “Please, God, don’t let those cars block the entrance to McDonald’s.”

The honesty of children! But how often have we all been childishly guilty of the same thing? We are surrounded by the needs of so many people, but we often seem to be blind to them in our prayers. Instead, our prayers tend to go something along the line of, “God, please give me what is most important to ME right now. Take away all the inconveniences that make life so difficult for me, and make sure that only good things happen to me.”

When will we learn that prayer was never intended to be the divine equivalent of a vending machine? Prayer is not an attempt to twist God’s arm until he bends Himself to our will, but an opportunity for us to seek His will. We are to share our needs with God, but prayer is also a privilege God has given His children to be able to intercede for others and their needs.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (I Timothy 2:1)

Who are you praying for today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Two reminders:

  1. Third Thursday meeting at the cabin tomorrow at 6:30
  2. Beth Moore Bible study beginning Sunday evening and the following Thursday.

 Have a wonderful time enjoying the day the Lord has provided!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Addition

Rebecca Moak

I wanted to give you an update on my grandma. She is still hospitalized and will have to start dialysis soon. She was looking a little better yesterday but the doctor says her kidneys are not working like they should which is causing her to retain fluid and keep a UTI. We are hoping with her doing the dialysis she will get some of the fluid off and start to get better. She still has pnemonia, they are giving her antibiotics to help with that and some of other medicine to try to break that up. Thank You for all your prayers.

Stephanie McKenzie

Tuesday

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,

lifting up holy hands,

without wrath and doubting.”

~1 Timothy 2:8~

Please continue to pray for the families of all four ladies involved in the accident that occurred two and a half weeks ago.  Pray for each family individually.  “Miss” Carol Jean’s family reports she is basically about the same and thanks you for the prayers you have offered thus far.

The family of Eugene Travis requests prayers for him as he has medical tests and procedures.

Thoughts from Courtney Roth

http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/2012/02/love.html

The early sign-up for “James: Mercy Triumphs” is going well.  A second order for books has been  made.  For those interested in doing a little preparation ahead of time, read the book of James.  I even found “Mercy triumphs” in one of the verses!

Roy S. Ardillo, II
(May 29, 1951 – February 11, 2012)

A native of Amite and a resident of Pine, he died at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital in LaCombe, LA. He was born May 29, 1951 and was 60 years of age. He was a U. S. Army veteran of Viet Nam. A Vigil service followed by the Rosary will be conducted at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, with visitation to follow until 9 p.m. and resuming from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 12 Noon Thursday February 16, 2012. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Survived by wife, Gaynell Gaudet Ardillo, daughter, Cindy Ardillo Gill and her husband, Mike, son, Richard Ardillo, 2 step-sons, Clinton Billedeaux and his wife, Kimberly, Steven Billedeaux, father, Nick P. Ardillo Sr., one sister, JoAnne Ardillo Falcone and her husband, Vincent, three brothers, James “Rube” Ardillo, Jay Ardillo and his wife, Kerri, Thomas F. Ardillo and his wife, Michelle, grandchildren, Michael Gill, Jr., Matthew Gill, Maylyn Ardillo, Paris Billedeaux, nieces and nephews, Joseph, Jonathan, Margaret & Madeline Ardillo, Vincent & Joshua Falcone, Nikki Falcone Messina, Melissa Ficklin Clark, Amanda Ficklin Mixon & Jason Ficklin, uncles & aunts, Thomas Bellavia, Frank Bellavia, Mary Frances Ardillo, numerous cousins. Preceded in death by mother, Angelee Bellavia Ardillo, and brother, Nick P. Ardillo, Jr. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital in Lacombe, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Families are so important.  A new movie, “The Vow”, gives us an example of a couple who worked through especially difficult problems to regain love and then to remarry.  I have not seen the movie, but have heard from others who did.  I think the book and/or the movie might be a plus for any family or soon-to-be family.  Take time to read what Baptist Press has to say.

 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37170

 Dr. Danny Smith, pastor of Spring Creek Baptist Church, has given me permission to share some of his thoughts periodically.  I think we can all benefit from what he said yesterday.

Pain, loss, sorrow, grief all things we have experienced and struggle with from time to time. Truth is there is no easy way to deal with any of them.

There are those who insist time heals all wounds but as time rocks on and hurts persist we find that is not right.

Then there are those who say you just have to work through it you just have to go through these steps but then we wear out the path the steps are located on and still have our ache still have our pain and they say give it time.

But there is one who can and does help in these times and He does that first by being with us.

He does it secondly by taking it from us.

And He does it finally by taking it us away from all of it.

No this does not change the pain or take away the sorrow but it sure gives us somewhere to take it and of course that is to Jesus. Where else no where! Who else? No one!

Thought for the Day: Willing to die

The following story is related by Kim Noone in the book, “A Cup of Chicken Soup For the Soul”:

“One day a drill sergeant came out and threw a hand grenade into a group of young soldiers. The men all ran away and took cover away from the grenade. Then the drill sergeant told them that the grenade was not set to explode and he just did it to see their reaction.

“The next day a newly recruited soldier joined the group. The drill sergeant told the other soldiers not to tell the new soldier what was going to happen. As the drill sergeant came out and threw the grenade into the crowd of soldiers, the new soldier, not knowing it wasn’t going to explode, threw himself on top of the grenade to prevent it from killing the other men. He was willing to die for his fellow soldiers.

“That year the young man was awarded the only medal for courage and bravery that had not been won during battle.”

How many people would you be willing to die for? Be honest now! Maybe your husband or wife, one of your children, but the list starts to get pretty short after that, doesn’t it?

Can you imagine dying in the place of a convicted criminal? Someone is scheduled to die on death row for murder, and you say, “Please let me take his place!” Not very likely, huh?

Paul was so right when he said, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8)

Why would Christ do that? As long as I define love by my own personal limitations, it will always be impossible to comprehend. Only the love of an Almighty God could be willing to sacrifice so much. I am led to respond in praise, and in a desire to give all my love and obedience to the One who loved me more than life itself.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

How many ways can you show love to others today?  You don’t have to die for them, but you can thank the One who die for us. That was love!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the Word about Christ.”

~Romans 10:17 NIV~

Please pray for Bobby Simpson as he has outpatient PT in Hammond for a while.

Earlo LaBauve was scheduled to be moved from North Oaks to North Oaks rehab yesterday afternoon.  Pray for his continued improvement.

Continue to pray for the families whose lives were changed forever in the tragic wreck that happened two weeks ago.  The families have different needs at this point, but God can supply all of these needs.  Pray for all the families involved.

Susan Rimes was able to be at church yesterday, the first time in months.  Thank God for her improvement.

James Rimes will share a devotional thought at the meeting at the cabin Thursday night at 6:00.  We will have a time to each and fellowship before James shared.  Please feel free to join us.  James does an excellent job.  He is back at popular request after sharing last month.  Contact me if you need more information.

The interest in the Beth Moore Bible study has been good.  It will begin Sunday or the following Thursday, depending on the day you choose.  It’s not too late to sign us.  Please notify me or the church office if you are interested.

New Beth Moore Bible Study: James: Mercy Triumphs
FBC, Kentwood
Choice of two groups
Sunday – 8 weeks beginning Feb. 19th; 4:30-6:00
Thursday – 8 weeks beginning Feb. 23rd; 6:00 – 7:30
Books – $15.00

Location: Classroom beneath the auditorium.  Park behind the church.

Choose Sunday or Thursday.

Thought for the Day: The God who supplies all our needs

Here is a dilemma for your consideration: You are driving along on a wild stormy night. You pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who is about to die.

2. An old friend who once saved your life.

3. The perfect man (or woman) you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car?

This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first; or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect dream lover again.

Think before you continue reading………………………………

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer.

His answer was, “I would give the car keys to my old friend, and let him take the old lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the woman of my dreams.”

Why didn’t I think of that??? I was feeling pretty good about taking care of the needs of that old lady, and along comes someone who meets ALL of their needs!

It’s very much the way I feel before God. I am a person who gets pleasure from trying to meet the needs of people around me. But, so often I fall short. That’s why I’m so very thankful to have a God who can not only meet all my needs, but also the needs of everyone else I come in contact with.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Phil 4:19-20)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have you noticed all the things God has done for you lately.  Take time to count you blessings!

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Roy S. Ardillo, II
(May 29, 1951 – February 11, 2012)

An Amite native and resident of Franklinton, he died at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital in LaCombe. He was born May 29, 1951 and was 60 years of age. Arrangements are incomplete with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.

Sarah “Ann” Smith Ballard
(July 21, 1935 – February 11, 2012)

“MeMe”

A loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at her residence in Kentwood. She was born July 21, 1935 and was 76 years of age. She was a retired dairy farmer, a devoted Christian and a member of Chesbrough Baptist Church. She is survived by 2 daughters, Helen B. McNabb and husband, Barry, Kentwood and Nellin B. Webb and husband, Ronny, Greensburg; 2 sons, Ishmel “David” Ballard, Greensburg and Walter E. Ballard, Kentwood; 9 grandchildren, Bridgette McNabb Hughes and husband, J.D., Beth McNabb Day and husband, Jeff, Brooke McNabb, “Lil” Ronny Webb and wife, Laura, Ballard Webb, Ann D’lyn Webb, Ishalyn Ballard Broussard and husband, Jon, Tarra Ballard and Cally Ballard; 5 great-grandchildren, Preston Day, Parker Hughes, Annabel Hughes, Ashton Broussard and Annsley Broussard; 1 sister, Clarette Bennett, Trussville, AL; best friend of 55 years, Mary Spears Raimondo; caregiver, Carrie Rout. Preceded in death by her husband, Ishmel E. Ballard; parents, Walter and Bertha Smith; 1 brother, Emmit Smith; 1 sister, Hazel Smith; 1 grandson, Justin Ballard. Visitation at Chesbrough Baptist Church, Chesbrough, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Services conducted by Bro. Calvin Crowe. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Roseland, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

 

Sunday

“All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord,

and all the families of the nations shall worship before You,

for the kingdom is the Lord’s,

and He rules over the nations.”

~Psalm 22:27-28~

 

Heart to Heart with Holley Gerth: What’s Growing

 

I stand in the grocery store line and tap my toe with impatience. The check out girl seems impossibly slow today and the woman in front insists on paying three different ways. As the minutes tick by I stare at the food on the conveyer belt.

Beautiful red apples. Oranges that look like sunlight. Peppers that started as seeds far away.

And I begin to think about time differently. How much time would it have taken me to have this abundance a hundred years ago? Months of work, cultivation, nurturing.

Now I roll my eyes after waiting for five minutes.

Why is that?

I realize it’s because I’m used to production not growth.

Producing something is quick, easy.

Growth is intentional, done with care.

God isn’t impatient like me. He’s committed to working the soil, watering, harvesting, going through the process, all in the right time. His plans are better than mine. Time is not an obstacle to him. Instead it’s an opportunity for what’s truly best to come forth in my life.

And in yours.

God is growing beautiful things in us, friends.

The longer it takes, the sweeter the reward will be.

–Holley

Stay warm and protect your plants, pets, and pipes!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Mug & Muffin

This morning at 9:30 at FBC, Amite

Ladies, don’t forget we have a Mug ‘n Muffin (our WMU meeting for the month) tomorrow morning!! 9:30 am VERY casual! Our guest speakers will be Cheryl and Ernest Breaux with Fill the Gap. We will learn how we can help reach hurting families in our community. See you there!

 

 

 

Thought for the Day: The highest ransom ever paid

A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnapped. His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom. She talked them down to $30,000.

The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But don’t you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount?

Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined what the negotiations must have been like: “$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You’ve got to be kidding. Give me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer.”

I can sympathize with the kidnapped man because I wonder how much the people in my life think that I’m worth. But I am flattered beyond description to realize that I was worth enough to God that He was willing to pay the ultimate price for my ransom, my redemption. As Peter put it:

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (I Peter 1:18-19)

Ultimately, the value of something (or someone) is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it. A piece of art that may be worth millions of dollars to someone else may be worth less than a hundred dollars to me. The worth of something is determined by how much we’re willing to pay for it.

What that means is that we are of tremendous value to God. He didn’t quibble about the price, but was willing to pay the full ransom amount — the highest ransom ever paid!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

 

Friday Addition

Please continue to pray for Annie Bell Harrell.  She has been fighting a health battle for a long while.  One problem seems to lead to another.  Please pray for this sweet, Christian lady who is a friend to many.

Nyla Price said her husband, Mike Price, has an appointment on the 28th in Jackson to check out some concerns.  She would be thrilled if you would pray for him.