Tuesday

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.

Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

~Colossians 3:16 NLT~

The family will make arrangements for Roy Russell this morning. They hope to have the wake tonight with the funeral tomorrow. I’ll post the arrangements later. Please be in prayer for the family, especially Roy’s mother, today.

Frist Person: How will you be remembered?

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=37019

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

SOME TIME AGO National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose…

The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs.

Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.

Spiritual battles await us. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now–before the wars begin. Remember the bull-moose principle: enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they’re needed. Bruce Howell

“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;

I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”

Job 23:12

“Write” something positive that you can be proud of for your book today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Everyone who hears these words of mine

and puts them into practice

is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

~Matthew 7:24 (NIV)~

Jadon is HOME and doing well. Thank-you for the continued prayers for him and his family.

Mrs. Lorna Smith will have surgery on her broken elbow Wednesday. Please be in prayer for her.

Louisiana is first in something good!

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37006

WHERE I USED TO GO TO CHURCH

The story is told of a man who was stranded on a deserted Pacific island for years. Finally one day a boat comes sailing into view, and the man frantically waves and draws the skipper’s attention. The boat comes near the island and the sailor gets out and greets the stranded man.

After a while the sailor asks, “What are those three huts you have here?”

“Well, that’s my house there.”

“What’s that next hut?” asks the sailor.

“I built that hut to be my church.”

“What about the other hut?”

“Oh, that’s where I used to go to church.”

(By the way, please don’t write to remind me that the church is a group of people, not a building — I’m aware of that, but I think there’s another lesson to learn here). I understand that there are some legitimate reasons for “changing churches,” but there are also some Christians who change congregations every couple of years simply because they have trouble getting along with other folks. Someone at church said something that made them mad, or one of the songleaders didn’t pick out songs they liked, or the elders decided to change the time of services, etc. etc. The reasons go on and on, and you can just about mark on the calendar when they’ll leave to go to the next church. It makes you wonder if they would be happy in a church by themselves. Perhaps, like the man in the story above, they would move somewhere else after a while just out of habit.

Each of the New Testament epistles is filled with instructions on how to get along with others in the church (and there are no instructions or recommendations for Christians to “change churches” no matter how serious the problems!). Running away is always easier than reconciling with others, but our God is a God of reconciliation who has called us not only to reconcile with Him, but to be “ministers of reconciliation” who seek to bring about the unity that God desires in His body.

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another….Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion…..If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:9-10,15-16,18)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Make plans to attend and worship at church tomorrow. I hope it will be one where you can say you have attended a long time.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Bear one another’s burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

~Galatians 6:2~

CaringBridge:LarkinDorris

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

Robbie Lynn C. Kirby will have a procedure at 8 A.M. this morning that will require sedation. Pray her back gets better after the procedure.

Tripp Roth

Today, services will be held at the Catholic church in Ponchatoula for Tripp Roth. Pray for his family and all those who helped with his medical care. Thank God Tripp young life touched many hearts and made a difference. You may choose to wear red like many of Tripp and Courtney’s supporters.

The monthly meeting at the cabin is tomorrow night at 6:30. Please feel free to join us for a good time with other Christians. Bring a dish to share if you want to. Mainly, bring yourself.

Senior adults from FBC, Kentwood will eat at NOLA in Ponchatoula today. Join them is you wish. Call the church office for more information.

Baptist Press News

http://www.bpnews.net/

Thought for the Day: Will you make the jump?

In the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Butch and Sundance, running from the law, run up to a cliff hundreds of feet high overlooking a river. They are outnumbered by lawmen who have taken up their positions and there is no way out. They get ready to shoot it out, but they know it’s a suicide mission. Then Butch looks out over the cliff and sees the river below and says, “I know, we’ll jump!” Sundance thinks he’s crazy. Butch tells him it’s their only hope. Sundance is still reluctant. Butch assures Sundance that the lawmen would never follow them, saying, “Would you make a jump like that you didn’t have to?” Sundance says, “I have to, and I’m still not going to.” Finally, Sundance gives the reason for his reluctance. He says, “I can’t swim.” Butch just laughs and says, “Are you kidding? The fall will probably kill you!” But Sundance, because of the predicament, knows he’s out of options, and though he can’t swim, he jumps.

I think there are times that the Lord leads us into predicaments where the only reasonable thing to do is to jump and trust the Lord. And we know that he’ll never let us down. Over and over, the Bible stresses that one of the primary attributes of God is his faithfulness. God is always dependable. You can count on him. He makes his word good. When he tells you he’ll do something, you can believe that he will do it. When he makes a promise, you know he’s going to keep it. Because God is faithful.

It’s interesting to notice how the Bible connects stability in the lives of Christians to the faithfulness of God. Thus, we find statements like this: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23). The reason a Christian is able to stand when life’s storms come against him is that his faith is grounded in a God whose promises to him will always be honored.

In Hebrews 11, Sarah is praised with these words: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11). Here were two people who shared the disappointment over the years of being childless. They had no tangible reason to think anything had changed. Yet, God gave his word to them. And they knew that God was faithful. He wouldn’t let them down.

It is essential that we understand this very important truth: God keeps his promises. And it doesn’t matter whether it was made to Abraham, David, Paul or you, God has never given a promise that he failed to honor. He is faithful.

All you need to do is to jump.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Have a blessed day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“If you want to know what God really wants you to do, ask him …

but if you don’t ask in faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.”

~James 1:5-6 TLB~

Marjorie Jean Smith Cutrer

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, Bogalusa

Marjorie Jean Smith Cutrer, a long time resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord January 11, 2012 at the age of 87.

She was born July 15, 1924, the daughter of the late Eugene and Margaret Smith. A graduate of Louisiana State University in 1947, she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Marjorie married Carl E. Cutrer Sr. on February 6, 1949 in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Marjorie was a homemaker until her children were grown and then she worked along side her husband at the family owned and operated Red Bird Ice Cream Company. She and her husband, Carl, were lifelong world travelers visiting numerous countries on six continents. Another of Marjorie’s passions was needlecraft. Over the course of her life she crocheted more than 50 afghans, and created beautiful needlepoint, cross-stitch, and embroidery pictures that adorn the homes of her family and friends.

Marjorie dedicated her life to serving others. As an active member of First Baptist Church in Bogalusa for over 75 years, Marjorie served as the pianist for over 50 years and taught Sunday school for over 40 years. Named Bogalusa’s Citizen of the Year in 2000, Marjorie was a leader in her community. She served in many leadership positions for organizations such as the American Red Cross and YWCA, and was a member of the Sunshine Club at Rest Haven Nursing Home, Ingleside Literary Society, Civic League of Bogalusa, and United Way of Bogalusa. One of the highlights of her life was her participation in five mission trips to Nicaragua with Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, MS.

Marjorie is survived by her beloved husband, Carl E. Cutrer, Sr.; her sons, Carl E. Cutrer, Jr. and Hardy Cutrer (Lori) of Baton Rouge, LA; her daughter, Margaret Cutrer Tynes (David) of Petal, MS; and her grandsons, Daniel Tynes (Emily), Paul Tynes (Raven), Charley Tynes, and J. Hardy Cutrer.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Bogalusa, LA on Friday January 13, 2012. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by the 11:00 a.m. service. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa, LA. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, Bogalusa, has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Bogalusa (541 Avenue F, Bogalusa, LA 70427) or Carterville Baptist Church Nicaragua Mission Fund (1115 Carterville Road, Petal, MS 39465).

Infant Payton Michael Wallace, son of Heather Michelle Wallace and Jason Douglas Honaker of Kentwood passed away on January 11, 2012 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

He also survived by his maternal grandparents, Ricky & Jennifer Wallace, Kentwood; paternal grandparents, Pamela Ann Gazzle, Franklinton and Michael Ray Lachney, Opelousas; ; maternal great-grandparents, Donald & Barbara Holliday, Kentwood;maternal uncles, Justin Wallace & Daniel Holliday, Kentwood; maternal aunt, Tiffany Wallace, Kentwood; paternal aunt, Amanda Lynn Lachney, Meridian, MS; paternal uncles, Justin Lachney, Covington & Michael Ray Lachney, Gulfport, MS; also extended family members.

Preceded in death by maternal great-grandparents, Marvin Wallace & Linda Thames; paternal great-grandparents, Ruby Smokey & Michael Honaker

Graveside Celebration of Life Service at Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Gene Richards officiating. Interment in Hyde Cemetery.

An on-line Guestbook is available at www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely& Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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

I trust you will click on this link and read some of these timely articles. I can’t think of a better or more interesting front page for any Christian to read.

Heart to Heart with Holley: When it seems you will never be done . . . .

Hello Friend!

We all have our quirks. So in the spirit of confession, here’s one of mine: I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to getting things done. If I have a to-do left on my list at the end of the day it’s like a pebble in my shoe. Anyone else ever feel that way?

The thing is, it never gets all done. There’s always another dish to wash, another email to answer, another project to wrap up. That used to drive me just about wild. And wear me out.

Then one day it seemed God whispered to my heart, “You are never going to be done.”

At first I thought it must be the devil. And this southern girl was about to tell him where to go, y’all.

But no, the whisper kept coming quietly and gently until I fully recognized the Voice of One Who Loves Me.

And he confirmed it with Scripture too: He who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Two truths stuck in my soul from that one little sentence.

First, while I’m good at “carryin’ on” (as we say in the South) that’s not what God means in this verse. He means that he’ll take on the weight, bear the burden, make sure that what needs doin’ will get done. Our part is simply obedience.

Also, that good work in our lives is going to keep on keepin’ on until it’s complete in the day of Christ Jesus. In case you didn’t catch it, that’s code for “until heaven.” So as much as I may want to check off everything I possibly can, God is going to have more for me until the day I’m with him forever. Whew.That means I can lay day my completion compulsion and trade it for grace.

I don’t know about you, but the new year tends to put my “get it done” self into overdrive. But we don’t have to do it that way this time around. God has it covered, friend.

We don’t have to strive. Instead we can LIVE. With joy even.

Woo-hoo! Now that’s reason for some good “carryin’ on”—the kind complete with whoopin’ and hollerin’ and a little jig thrown in just because.

What helps you trust God with your to-do list? Do tell.

Love,

Holley

I no longer keep my daily “to do” list. I also have learned to be ready for a visit with a friend, a ride in the country, grandchildren, watching the dog and cats, sitting next to David and watching TV programs I would never have selected, etc. I’m enjoying my retirement and all the hours God allows me to do things that were not on my “to do” list, but which suddenly became important to me. David says “no schedule”! I know I haven’t heard those school bells ringing to remind me I should have completed one teaching responsibility and now it is time to begin the next teaching assignment. I’m no longer driven by bells! That means other things like a phone call from Daddy, an unannounced visitor at the door, etc. drive my day. “That’s a good thing!”

Anna Lee

Friday Night

From Monica Pailet

Prayer warriors. I’m asking for you to pray that Jadon starts feeling better. He is very nauseated and can’t eat or drink anything. Everytime he gets sick they have to move him and change his sheets which makes him hurt. Please pray that his stomach will get settled.

Boyd Hatchel was in less pain tonight. Pray for this to continue and for a cause of the blood clots to be found.

Mr. Cete Dillon is better, but “Miss” Ruby is not well yet.

There were three robberies in St. Helena this afternoon. Please be careful. Pray for those whose lives have been invaded and for those who seem to think this is okay.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36908

Baptist Press:’Threethrowing’ created as Christian gesture

Friday

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”

~Psalm 25:9 NIV~

Update from Jadon Pailet

Not much time to update. It’s been a very long and hard day. I have 132 electrodes attached to my brain which means 132 wires. I also have all the other normal hospital wires. I do not like having these wires attached to me. I was doing really well until around 5:30. I started having stomach pains and got sick. So I didn’t get to eat anything. I was able to hold down some juice about two hours ago. I’m very agitated. I’m mad because I can’t crawl into my moms lap. I keep trying and reaching and crying but they won’t let me. Mommy got as close as possible until I went to sleep. They gave me some medicine to help me relax. I’m also having withdraws from my sabril. I haven’t had it since yesterday and it’s one of those medicines that can effect you that way. So they did order it and gave it to me a little while ago. My seizures are very bad and everytime I have one I cry. The doctor said he is getting plenty of information. He said we will have some results of the EEG tomorrow. Please continue to pray as we will have to make some big decisions tomorrow. Also pray that I will be able to settle down and get some rest.

Please keep praying for Jadon, his family, and the medical staff caring for him.

Dr. Derry Magee continues to improve. He is participating in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He will get moved to the stroke/telemetry unit today where his therapy time can be increased. He does not get frustrated or angry. He became very excited when told his grandson Bill would be coming tomorrow with his wife Kellye. “Miss” Dora and daughter, Nita, thank you for your continued prayers.
Mr. Kenneth Felker said B.J.’s surgery was delayed from early morning to late evening, but was eventually done. The surgery turned out not to be as complicated as originally expected. David talked with B.J. yesterday, but said she seemed medicated.
Baptist Press: Baptists and the Civil War on display at the library

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36898

Thought for the Day: I’m starting to forget

There’s a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn’t wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn’t wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn’t want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented. The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister’s crib and said: “Tell me about God – I’m starting to forget.”There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the “rat race” and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, “Tell me about God — I’m starting to forget.”There are weeks when we’ve been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because “I’m starting to forget.”There are weeks when we’ve had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors’ appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord’s Supper to see God’s love and grace because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are days when we’re so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because “I’m starting to forget.”

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Please continue to pray for all the others we have had on our prayer list lately.
Boyd and Jennie, our daughter and son-in-law, will be speaking in the 10:30 worship service at FBC, Kentwood Sunday. They are missionaries to the Roma(Gypsies) in Europe. Their stateside assignment time is ending this month, so they will be returning to Prague soon. You are invited to join us at this time if you are interested and available.

Anna Lee

Monday

“For God loved the world

so much that he gave his one and only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him

will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16 NLT~

Mrs. Jimmie Shaw is hospitalized with pneumonia. Pray sbe is comfortable.

This seems to be pneumonia weather. Take care of yourself and your family.

Renee Deck was at church yesterday. Pray her shoulder heals well.

Jadon: http://www.actionnews17.com/News/tabid/59/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10250/Deputies-community-reach-out-to-help-2-year-old-facing-brain-surgery.aspx

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

Blessed!

Anna Lee

Friday

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6, NKJV~

Pray for safe traveling for all those who will be traveling in the next two weeks. Pray for students who are out of school for the holidays. Pray for safety of children as they play with new gifts.

Ways to Give (including Lottie Moon Christmas Offering)

http://www.imb.org/main/give/default.asp

Baptist Press (Sometimes it is too hard to select only one story to share.)

http://www.bpnews.net/

Many churches are having special services tomorrow and/or different schedules for Christmas. FBC, Kentwood will have worship service only at 10 A.M.

Thought for the Day: He became one of us

On February 15, 1921, there was a doctor who performed an appendectomy. The doctor performing the surgery was Dr. Evan Kane who over his 37-year medical career had performed nearly 4,000 appendectomies, so this surgery was not at all unusual except for two things.

First of all, this was the first time that local anesthesia had ever been used in major surgery. Dr. Kane believed that local anesthesia was safer than putting a patient completely to sleep. Most of his colleagues agreed with him in principle, but they wanted to see first if it would actually work.

So Dr. Kane searched for a volunteer, a patient who would be willing to undergo surgery while under local anesthesia. It wasn’t easy to find one. Most people are squeamish at the thought of being awake during their own surgery. Others are fearful that the anesthesia might wear off too soon.

Finally, though, Dr. Kane found a volunteer, and on Tuesday morning, February 15th, the operation began. The patient was prepped and wheeled into the operating room. A local anesthetic was applied. And as Dr. Kane had done thousands of times before, he cut open the tissues and removed the appendix. The patient had only minor discomfort and recovered quickly, dismissed two days later.

Dr. Kane had proven his theory. Thanks to the willingness of a brave volunteer, Dr. Kane demonstrated that local anesthesia was an alternative, even a preferred alternative.

But I said there were two facts that made this surgery unusual. I’ve told you the first: the use of local anesthesia. The second unusual thing was the patient — the patient was Dr. Kane. You see, in order to prove his point, Dr. Kane operated on himself. The doctor became a patient in order to convince the patients to trust the doctor.

As unbelievable as that may seem, it is insignificant compared with what Jesus Christ did for us. The Great Physician voluntarily became one of us. He placed himself in our shoes. He left the glories of heaven to live on this earth as one of us — to suffer our pains and feel our fears. Why? So that when you hurt, you will know that you have someone who understands — your Great Physician — and you will have confidence to go to him for healing.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same….For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14a,18)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“[God’s] intent was that now,

through the church,

the manifold wisdom of God should be made known …”

~Ephesians 3:10 NIV~

Jadon’s Story: Two more weeks!

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/2011/12/2-more-weeks.html?spref=fb

Mrs. Pauline Strickland is now in ICU at Baton Rouge General. Her condition is still very serious. The family requests your continued prayers. Doctors fell they will be able to give the family more information Friday.

Susan Rimes is home and continues to do much better than expected. She has been sick for several months, but hopefully will make good progress now.

Keep Renee Deck in your prayers as she faces another hospital stay and surgery.

Baptist Press (Always great reading)

http://www.bpnews.net/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: Balkan Platforms

Overview: There is tremendous lostness in the Balkan region (Southern Europe). In many cases, legitimate access to these countries is very difficult. The right platforms provide not only that access, but natural (supernatural!) avenues for building relationships and sharing the gospel with people. The fervent prayer of IMB personnel in Kosovo, Bosnia, Greece, Albania, and Macedonia is that as development and educational projects are carried out under the auspices of these platforms that many people would come to faith and a wave of multiplying churches would be planted.

Strategic Ministries: Seminary, Non-Government Organization, Education, Health, Church Planting

Giving Opportunities for Balkan Platforms

IMB-Kosovo Project – 2012 Goal: $ 20000.00

Global Development Project – Bosnia – 2012 Goal: $ 50000.00

Oasis Center Ministry Project – 2012 Goal: $ 50000.00

ABI- Albania Project – 2012 Goal: $ 30000.00

Global Development Project – Macedonia – 2012 Goal: $ 50000.00

‘Tis the season for giving and sharing! Make Christmas special for someone who is not a relative!

Anna Lee