Category: Announcement

Wednesday

“Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.”

~Isaiah 60:3, HCSB~

 

I want to start off with “flu”, because many area people seem to be coming down with flu.  If you are sick, stay home and get well.  If you are well, try to stay that way.  I’m praying for those who have already come down with the flu and for those who are trying not to get sick.

Estelle Watson asked for prayer for her niece.  I forgot the first name, but the last name was Losson.  Estelle’s niece is in the final stages of cirrhosis of the liver.

Carol Ann Cleveland, a classmate from my school days in Amite, has a granddaughter with multiple health issues!  Check out the Facebook page, “Mattie’s Miracles”.  Then, pray.

Pray for those who will travel during the next few weeks.  Pray each home celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.  Pray for safety in all the travels.

Pray for those who will be alone during the Christmas season.  David and I were included in another family’s Christmas last week.  We felt so special!  We will have Jennie’s family after Christmas, but there are others who will not have family at all.

Pray for families who have lost members of their family during the past year.  The first year after a death is extra hard for most people.  Include these people or do something special to help them get through the Christmas season.

David and I will host the monthly Third Thursday meeting tomorrow at the cabin.  Join us at 6:30.  We fully expect another sweet spirit time with others.

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions

Jesus is the only reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Monday

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)~

 

Thank God for the progress Cindy Carmadelle has made.  Her leg is much better.  Doctors are still keeping a careful watch.  She’s had such a beautiful attitude despite her injuries.

Kathy Jo Thompson had another brain surgery last week.  There were some complications, but this is what she has to say about her present situation, “God has his hands on everything!”  She is such an inspiring young lady.

Mrs. Mildred Birth got a good report from Dr. Liner yesterday.  The area they have been considering a mass seems to be scar tissue from three previous surgeries.  Thank-you, God for giving this friend a good report and making lots of family and friends have a happier holidays because of it.

Nancy Carruth continues to deal with kidney stones.  Pray for her to get past this problem so she can continue to pass on her happy attitude that overflows from her all the time.

There have been so many difficult situations lately, I thought we needed to focus on the good reports today!  I hope this gets your day started off “on the right foot” so that you can have a positive attitude all day long!

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

See if you can locate the following statements.

“While still working on his master of divinity degree, Rice was called to serve as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Greensburg, La. He served the church for three years.”

Devotional, Scriptures, Quotes, and a Song

  • “A Ukrainian Christmas” – http://odb.org/2014/12/16/a-ukrainian-christmas/
  • Glory to God in the highest,                                                                                     and on earth peace,                                                                                             goodwill toward men!                                                                                                                              ~Luke 2:14~                                                                                        For there is born to you this day in the city of David                                     a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”                                                                                                                                                            ~Luke 2:11~
  • “Christ is born!”                                                                                                                                                     “Let us glorify Him!”                                                                                                                                                                            ~Our Daily Bread  (12-16-14)~

Lottie Moon – http://scottsvillemuseum.com/portraits/homeRS15acdRS04.html

Read this short article to gain more insight into the heart of someone whose greatest desire was for others to have Jesus in their hearts.  The more we understand her heart, the more our heart will be touched to share Jesus in the ways He has called us to share.

Mrs. Yvonne Curtis has a sweet, easy singing voice.  She will be singing Christmas music today at New Zion Baptist Church at 10:30.  Come get some Christmas joy today!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“But as it is written:

‘Eye has not seen,

nor ear heard,

nor have entered into the heart of man

the things which God has prepared f

or those who love Him.'”

~1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV~

Mrs. James (Pat) Frazier is doing very well following knee surgery.  Thanks for praying for her.

Mrs. Mildred Birch has an appointment to see Dr. Liner Monday.  Pray for her and her family as they prepare for this appointment.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will have their monthly breakfast early this month.  It will be at 8:00 this morning.  The breakfasts are a special time to donate to a worthy cause.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  • Video –  “A global-minded village”
  • “Our Obligation to the Lost” – by David Platt, President of the International Mission Board

Mrs. Yvonne Curtis will be singing Christmas carols at New Zion Baptist Church Tuesday at 10:30.  This will be followed with lunch.  You’ll be blessed if you hear this sweet lady with the gift of singing so sweetly.

Don’t forget your opportunities to hear/see a presentation of the birth of Jesus through music and/or drama in area churches today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will be with child

and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.  

~Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)~

 

Ora Lee Wilson said her sister and both nephews who were so sick last week are all home and hopefully continuing to improve.  She and her family are thankful of your prayers.  Please continue to pray for them.

Bobby Lawson was able to come home from North Oaks midday yesterday.  The family thanks you for praying.  Please continue to do so.

Martha Traylor seems to have had a reaction to medication and an infection.  More tests are being done.  Please pray for her and her family.

Porgie Scarle has completed the 4th round of chemo.  He’s weak, but hanging in there thanks.  His family is very supportive.  Please pray for Porgie and his family as they endure these difficult days.

Billy Hawkins

Born: December 22, 1934
Died: December 12, 2014                                                                 http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2859953

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering helps to support the Lane family and many others around the world.  After watching the video and reading the story, consider supporting their missionary endeavor in Sudan.  You can do this through any Southern Baptist Church. 

http://www.commissionstories.com/africa/videos/view/its-risky-business-for-missionaries-serving-in-africa

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,                                       that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.                                                                                                                                                         ~John 3:16~

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Another Hero of Christmas” – http://odb.org/2014/12/13/another-hero-of-christmas/
  • Joseph her husband,                                                                                                   being a just man,                                                                                                       and not wanting to make her a public example,                                               was minded to put her away secretly.                                                                                                                                  ~Matthew 1:19~
  • “Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine” – http://www.oldielyrics.com/christmas/joseph_dearest_joseph_mine.html

I do not know the Christmas carol, but found it this morning after reading the devotional for today.  As you look and listen to it, notice the many stanzas, quite different from the current style of writing.  Joseph was surely a special man to have been chose to be the earthy father of Jesus.

Looking ahead to tomorrow.

  • Line Creek will have their Christmas musical tomorrow morning.
  • FBC, Kentwood will have their musical, “Joy, Joy, Joy”, at 6:00 P.M. tomorrow.
  • New Zion Baptist Church will do their musical tomorrow morning.
  • I’m sure there are others, but I don’t know of then.  Let me know this morning and I’ll post them later today.

May God by richly blessed by all the church musicals this year, especially those involving children because they teach the “only reason for the season” which children often miss or consider secondary to the jolly man in the red suit.

Anna Lee

Thursday

The true light that gives light to every man

was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognize him.

~John 1:9-10 (NIV)~

Mr. Bobby Lawson is in North Oaks again.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker is in rehab and doing well.  Keep her in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for Mr. Frankie Gehringer.  His medication is being adjusted to help him feel better.

Sherman Cutrer seems to go from one issue to another.  He is at Kentwood Rehab.  Pray for him to have some better days soon.

Please continue to pray for Randy Taylor.  He’s been fighting a long, hard battle.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Third Thursday at the Cabin –  We will meet one week from tonight.  I’m already looking forward to our sweet time together.

First Baptist Church, Kentwood will present the Christmas musical “Joy, Joy, Joy” Sunday evening at 6:00.  Bro. Jonathan Statham will be directing the choir and orchestra this year.  You are invited to attend.  Pray for all those participating in the musical.

This week, the Friday morning Bible Study will focus on Mary, mother of Jesus.  Our Scripture passages are Luke 1-2 and John 2:1-11.  Please feel free to join us at 10:00 in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  Contact me if you have questions.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Christingle”  –   http://odb.org/2013/12/25/christingle/
  • That was the true Light which gives light                                                  to every man coming into the world.                                                                                                                                      ~John 1:9~                                                            The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world….                                                                                                                     ~John 1:29~
  • “This Little Light of Mine” – http://www.negrospirituals.com/news-song/this_little_light_of_mine.htm

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – It takes $139/day to support a mission family and their work.  If we meet our goal at FBC,K. we will be able to support a missionary unit for five months.  I know it is early in the month, but it is interesting to know we have already collected money to cover 15 days.  I’ve never considered our goal that way before.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering from the Perspective of the past of FBC, Lafayette –http://stevehorn.org/2014_12_08/a-new-perspective-on-the-lottie-moon-christmas-offering-for-global-missions/

I think you will find this very interesting.

I like that word “shatter” that was used.  Let’s pray and give again this year with the purpose of supporting missionaries (and to “shatter” that goal to do so).

Anna Lee

Thursday

”Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

goodwill toward men.”

~Luke 2:14, NKJV~

 

Theresa Flores’ daughter, Chaire, received a kidney form a cousin yesterday.  The latest report I received was that both were doing well.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker had shoulder replacement surgery yesterday.  Pray for a good recovery/rehabilitation time for her.

Mrs. Mildred Birth saw Dr. Liner yesterday.  He will not be doing surgery right away.  More tests are scheduled, but hopefully the most she will need a to “blast” some kidney stones.  Please keep praying.

Mr. Bud Callihan is now at the Old Dixon Hospital.  Please pray for him and his family.

Andy Taylor’s sister, Cindy Juban, received a good report.  Please continue to pray for her.

Mrs. Hellen Morris is in Southwest at McComb.  Her great-granddaughter, Riley Titus, is in Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.  Please pray for both of these people and for the family as they care for two hospitalized relatives.

Mr. Bobby Lawson is doing a little better.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Remember Wayne Criswell and Ray Blackwell who are both receiving hospice services.

Karen Miller’s mom. Nyra Rigby, passed away yesterday afternoon about 4:15. Arrangements will be made today.  Please pray for Karen and her family.

Marty Simpson‘s arrangements have not been made yet.  I’ll post them when they are available.

The choir of FBC, K will be presenting “Joy, Joy, Joy” at 6 P.M. of Sunday December 14th.  They will be accompanied by an orchestra.  You are invited to attend.

Pancakes & Sausage with Santa!

  • Saturday, December 6th
  • 8:00 am – 10:00 am
  • First Baptist Church, Amite
  • **Bring your camera**

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer, Day 5: “A New Wave of Church Planters” –

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13045&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press –  bpnews.net

“Record-Setting Football Coach Credits Faith”

http://www.bpnews.net/43842/recordsetting-football-coach-credits-faith

“‘Hard to Argue with’ CP Success”

http://www.bpnews.net/43850/hard-to-argue-with-cp-success-pastor-says

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Called by Name” – http://odb.org/
  • [Jesus] looked up and saw him, and said to him,                                     “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down,                                                          for today I must stay at your house.”                                                                                                                                          ~Luke 19:5~
  • “His Eye is on the Sparrow” –

http://johntroutman.com/lyrics/hiseyeisonthesparrow.html

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsTVF-uc1u4 (Ethel Waters)

Even with a high temperature of 77 degrees on December 4th, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,  

 and each one will receive his own reward        

 according to his own labor.          

For we are God’s fellow workers.”                      

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a, NKJV~

 

Today, I’m asking for prayer for Theresa Flores’ daughter, Claire.  She is hospitalized and will have her third surgery Wednesday.  This one will remove both her kidneys in preparation for a transplant.  Your prayers are so important.

Mr. David Vining is home.  Please continue to pray for this fine man.

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Day 3

http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=11771&LanguageID=1709

The stamped Christmas cards for inmates in the parish jail were delivered yesterday.  A total of 405 were delivered with 180 from FBC, Kentwood.  Thanks to all who supported this.

Sunday, December 7th is our day to contribute frozen food for two families.  That gives you a few days to cook/freeze food for this worthy project.  One family needs food for a midday meal and the other fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables or home cooked foods.  It’s an  easy project for us, but so helpful to those who receive it.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

“Ten Common Worship Distractions”  by Thomas Rainer

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

If you have a facebook page and would like to be included in a group, Ladies of Two Rivers Baptist Association, please let me know.  It has proven to be a good means of communication in our church communities.  (Go to the word “Contact” above the day of the week at the beginning of any post.  Your message will come directly to me.)

Some people use this month to intensionally do special kindnesses for others.  They select a recepiant, prepare a gift (often a treat from the kitchen),  write a sweet note, and make the delivery wearing a big smile.  If you choose to do this this month or any day of the year, I’m sure you will be the one with the greater blessing  each day.

Jesus is the one and only reason for this season of the year!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness,
because we do not know what to pray for as we should,
but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.”
~Romans 8:26, HCSB~

 

As many of us are enjoying the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are many in areas of unrest and war.  Pray for the military, missionaries, humanitarian workers, and locals who do not have the same opportunities this year.  Pray for them to know Jesus and remain faithful to Him and their assignment despite the war.  Also, please pray for families who have someone in the area, but who are trying to maintain a “normal” life and holiday season.

Thank God for those who gave some or all of their holiday time this week to serve as a missionary some or all of this week.  Two examples are:

  • FBC, Amite who served Thanksgiving dinner in New Orleans Thursday.
  • Montpelier Baptist Church who sent 17 for a week of service in Nicaragua.  They returned home yesterday.

Please pray for the Hitching Post family.  David Conatser was killed in an automobile accident. I’ll post an obituary when one is available.

Thankfulness – Day 30:  Today, I’m thankful for prayer warriors.   They pray for me, my family, you, your family, and many other people.  Their prayers are important to all of us.  If you are one of those prayer warriors, I thank you for your faith and  time devoted to prayer.  On behalf of all those for whom you pray, “Thank-you”.

Week of Prayer and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

  • The  week of prayer for eight specific missionary families begins today.  These are not the only ones you should pray for in the coming year, but they represent lots of others who are not/can not be listed.
  • In these Week of Prayer stories, you will learn how your support enables your missionaries to:
    • help churches like yours partner on the field
    • share Jesus through human needs ministries
    • disciple church planters to take the Gospel to their own people
    • reach people creatively through songwriting and broadcasts
    • take the Scripture to a remote people in their heart language
    • minister even in war grounds
  • The Scripture we focus of this year is Matthew 28: 19-20.
  • The theme is “One Sacred Effort” meaning we can all work together to support this one goal.
  • Today’s special guide: http://www.imb.org/main/lottie-moon/weekofprayerview.asp?PageNavID=112&StoryID=13041&LanguageID=1709

Be sure to check the links at the bottom of the page to see the pictures and learn how contributions can be used in Ecuadore.

In connection with the beginning of the Week of Prayer, we will have a Lottie Moon Christmas Tea this afternoon at 2:00 at FBC, Kentwood for ladies of all area church.  Ladies between the ages of 2 and 102 are invited to attend and enjoy the music, skits, etc.

You will also have the opportunity to supply money to purchase stamps for Christmas cards that have been provided.  It takes $5.00 to buy the stamps for a set of Christmas cards for an inmate at the parish prison.  Today is the last day to do this.

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “For Sale – As Is” –  odb.org
  • For You were slain,                                                                                                   and have redeemed us to God by Your blood.                                                                                                         ~Revelation 5:9~
  • “Though your sins are like scarlet,                                                                  they shall be white as snow.”                                                                                                                          ~Isaiah 1:18~
  • “Jesus Paid it All” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/p/jpaidall.htm

May we all honor God in all we do today!

Anna Lee

 

Saturday

“You will be made rich in every way

so that you can be generous on every occasion …

your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  

~2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)~

 

It’s not in what you have acquired,

but what you are able to share that counts.

Be thankful for what you can share.

Riches are not counted in dollars!

 It’s hugs, smiles, words, and other actions!

It’s Jesus living in you!

I hope you gave and received this week.

I’m rich in blessings and so thankful!

Kathy Wales shared an update on Wayne Criswell.

I received a call from Mary Criswell this afternoon to let us know that Wayne had a doctor’s appointment today. Hospice has been called in for him. I know that Wayne knows where he’s going and is ready but his family and friends really need our prayers.
Thank you,
Kathy

Mallory is recovering from her burns well enough to get out among people again.  She is looking forward to going to church tomorrow and school Monday.  Thank you to each one of you who had a part in her healing by praying for her.

Nellie Jean Miller Davis Cook

Born: January 04, 1936
Died: November 27, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2831359&fh_id=10545

Johnny Jones

Born: September 12, 1942
Died: November 27, 2014

         http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2830859

Devotional, Scripture, Quote, and a Song

  • “Happy Ending” –  http://odb.org/
  • I saw a new heaven and a new earth.                                                                                                        ~Revelation 21:1~
  • The gains of heaven will more than compensate us for the losses of earth.                                                                                                             ~ODB~
  • “10 Awesome Songs about Heaven” – http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-awesome-songs-about-heaven/

Reminder – Lottie Moon Tea

  • Tomorrow
  • 2 P.M.
  • FBC, K (an event of Two Rivers Association, not just for Kentwood ladies)
  • All ladies, ages 2-102
  • Bring your daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, niece, neighbor, friend, etc.

Thankfulness – Day 29: Home

It’s always good to get away for special reasons, but eventually we all learn there’s no place like home!  I’m sure many of you are winding down from the holiday and looking forward to or beginning to enjoy being at home again.  Enjoy that too!  Thank God for homes!

Be generous and be blessed this very day.  Share from your heart.

Anna Lee

 

 

Friday

Thankfulness – Day 28:  Today, I’m thankful  for family traditions, so old and some new.  They identify us as a part of our unique family by honoring our ancestors by keeping some of the traditions that were passed down to us and respecting new members of the family by adding some traditions the new members bring with them into our family.  I think that makes each of us unique.  Holidays are extra special days to identify our family’s uniqueness and special place in our hearts.  Today, I want to think about my childhood traditions, new traditions as a wife and later a mother, new traditions with a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, and then more with grandchildren.  I’ve been so blessed and know you have too.  We are all unique, just the way God intended us to be.

 

“We always thank God for all of you                                            and continually mention you in our prayers.                                    We remember before our God and Father                                        your work produced by faith,                                                    your labor prompted by love,                                                            and your endurance                                                                      inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.                                     ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3~

 

Continue to pray for Alan Ray Blackwell, Nyra Perry Rigby, Wayne Criswell and their families.

Hope Center in Roseland is having a 50% off sale today only!  They will be open from 9:00 – 5:00 and would love to see you today.  Tomorrow, they will be closed, but will be open again Tuesday at 9:00 A.M.  The Hope Center is now providing food to nearly 300 families!  That is such a blessing to those who work there and to those who take boxes of food home.  Hope Center now has freezers which allows them to offer a better variety of food.  If you have not started to volunteer on a regular basis, you are missing such a blessing.  Let me know you are available so I can place you on the schedule.

Ladies of Two Rivers Association, you are invited to attend the Lottie Moon Tea Sunday afternoon at 2:00 in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  Ladies includes girls, youth, and adult ladies of all ages.  Help us celebrate missionaries who serve around the world and the great ministry they do in God’s service. You’ll be blessed by skits, music, information about Lottie, and information about the annual Week of Pray for International Missionaries which begins Sunday.  You can also bring postage stamps in multiples of ten so we can provide Christmas cards for inmates of our jails in St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes.

Since this is a holiday season, pray for all those traveling on the next few days.  Pray for good weather and good judgment for each traveler.

Baptist Press – bpnews. net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • Our Daily Bread: Amani – odb.org
  • God has not given us a spirit of fear,                                                                      but of power and of love and of a sound mind.                                                                                                                  ~Timothy 1:7~
  • When Peace Like a River: http://www.hymnary.org/text/when_peace_like_a_river_attendeth_my_way

If you know that sweet peace, you are blessed and have much to be thankful for, but if you don’t have that peace, I wish you might find that peace.  It gives added meaning to the Thanksgiving season.

Anna Lee